Pop the Cork party helps Texas Maritime Museum

Sarah Tindall -

I had the good fortune to attend the Texas Maritime Museum’s Pop the Cork party May 26 and to remember, once again, that it’s the coastal communities that make up the Coastal Bend that help make this part of Texas such a treasure.

The museum grounds were decorated in beach chic, with one of the largest tents I’ve ever seen dotted with tables covered in white linen and centerpieces of white candles and seashells in hurricane lanterns. Large “chandeliers” made from fishing nets and seashells hung from the tent poles, and all of the ladies wore sundresses and sparkly sandals and the gentleman wore Tommy Bahama shirts and cool linen pants and shorts.

I wondered how this magical transformation had happened, so I spoke with some of the hardworking volunteers who have made this Rockport’s signature social event for the past 16 years. Cathy Webber was the first one I found, and she just couldn’t say enough great things about the longtime support from her community.

“The patrons that attend this event are the lifeblood of this nonprofit organization,” she said. “We are immensely grateful for their support but also their attendance. I can never say enough to thank the volunteers and patrons who have made everything possible.”

Webber also told me some background history on the Museum itself: it is the official Maritime Museum for the state of Texas and recently received accreditation from the American Association of Museums, making it part of the only 3 percent of Texas museums that are accredited.

She then introduced me to Leta Laymon, who was one of the first chairs of this event 16 years ago, and is still an active volunteer, proudly enjoying the growth of her little party.

“This museum is dear to our hearts,” Laymon said.

Next I met Carol Scardino, who was celebrating the completion of her Babes on the Bay fishing tournament. She told me that the tournament, which was May 13 and 14 this year, is the largest one day fishing tournament in the country — and it just happens to be all gals! We toasted girl power at its best.

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