At the Wrightsville Beach Holiday Flotilla, Dr White and his family of Wilmington were the fantastic hosts of the ship that I rode on during the event. The hospitality and warmth of he and the great folks of Wilmington made this appearance a special highlight of my reign as Miss North Carolina.
Although it was cold and rained all day, nothing would stop the residents of this special community from having the Flotilla. I sang O Holy Night several times while spotlighted on back of the yacht as Dr. White and the crew sailed the ship around Wrightsville Beach and the Intracoastal Water Way. Thousands of people gathered and braved the weather to watch the beautiful array of ships lit up for the holiday season. Our boat, appropriately named The Queen, was decorated with white lights and a giant crown on one side with my name in lights on the other side. A Christmas tree and Carolina blue lights finished off the bough of the ship. Even though the weather was cold and wet, as mentioned before, I never felt the chill due to the warmth of the season and affectionate spirit of the entire community

The beautiful Blockade Runner was the generous sponsor of our accommodations for the weekend. This resort was also the host of the Captains Party on Friday evening. At this event, we all danced the night away to the musical grooves of Liquid Pleasure. The annual tree lighting at Wrightsville Beach Town Park was another highlight of the evening. It seemed the entire community gathered to watch the lighting of the beautifully decorated tree, which kicked off the holiday season. I was not, however, the only important celebrity in attendance. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made their debut much later in the evening. Luckily, I was able to sit on Santas lap to tell him what I wanted for Christmas.

Thank you so much to Dr White and the community of Wrightsville Beach. This Christmas was one I will certainly remember forever.

Christmas parades took up much of the month of December, beginning with the Oxford parade on the fifth. The Oxford Mayor greeted me early in the afternoon. He accompanied me around town to sign autographs for local businesses and parade attendees. Later in the evening I was joined by the Little Miss North Carolina Queens as we rode on a beautifully decorated float. It was cold, but all of our chatter and laughter kept us warm enough to wave to all of the residents who came to watch.

Ahoskie, Monroe, Manteo, Waxhaw, and Clinton were other special Christmas parades that I had the privilege of attending.

Hubert Vester Ford of Clinton provides my car for the year, and I was honored to ride in their hometown Christmas Parade. I had the opportunity to take some special little girls out to lunch after the parade. I also drew and announced the grand prize ticket at Hubert Vester Ford while posing for photographs and signing autographs.

I had the opportunity to be the featured speaker at three MADD and CPN candlelight vigils. Crash Prevention Network and Mothers Against Drunk Driving teamed up to put on these splendid events in which we honor the lives of those lost or injured to due car accidents and/or drunk driving. It was accordingly special to be able to honor the police officers and law enforcement members for all of their hard work in keeping our North Carolina roads safe and crash free. I also made special bonds with mothers, sisters, fathers, and brothers who lost loved ones in car accidents. It was my wish that my message of hope and songs of inspiration could play a small part in their healing process.

I had the honor of being Mistress of Ceremonies of the Triangle Apartment Associations Annual Awards Banquet at the Wake County Shrine club. That evening I honored all of the apartment communities and their staff who work hard to keep residents feeling welcomed and safe. I was so excited as I read the announcement that The Brier Creek was named the Property of the Year. The Triangle Apartment Association was so generous as they surprised me on stage with a $1,000 check for the ALS Association. I was extremely grateful to be apart of such a special event, and their generosity was humbling.

Mya Hipps and I had the unique opportunity to perform a mini concert of Christmas selections at the Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville. Hosted by Mr. Tommy Bolton, Mya and I were thrilled to meet many of the men and women who currently serve and have served this splendid country. We even met some brave men and women who had lost their spouses. This is one time in my year that I can remember being speechless, listening earnestly to their stories of courage and survival. We are the land of the free because of the gallantry of our military and their families.

Speaking of our very Outstanding Teen, I am so proud that Mya has been chosen to sing the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies of Miss America. We are so proud of you Mya. I am blessed to have a fabulous sister queen.

I was invited to sing the National Anthem at the Electoral College Meeting at the State Capitol. With Secretary of State Elaine Marshall presiding, the meeting was part of a unique moment in history where men and women, young and old, would find common ground in knowing that no matter what our opinions or political affiliation, we are all apart of this pivotal moment in history. I was both humbled and honored by the opportunity to play a small role during this pivotal time in our state’s and nation’s history.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue my dream journey to Miss America. Preparations are a demanding time, but the end result is all worth it. Make sure you tune in to TLC on Friday evenings at 10 pm to watch Miss America Countdown to the Crown. I will feel the presence and strength of each and every one of my supporters on the Miss America Stage with me on the 24^th. I promise to make you proud as I have the esteemed honor of representing the wonderful people of North Carolina with me to Las Vegas.

I hope you all had a blessed holiday season and will have a prosperous 2009.
As fall has turned to winter, and the days are blustery and cold, I am inspired by the words of Anne Broadstreet.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.

Humbly and gratefully yours,

Amanda Watson

Miss North Carolina 2008