'TrumpStock' Boat Parade Draws Crowd Of Supporters To East End

EAST END, NY — Waving flags and carrying binoculars for a better view, supporters of President Donald Trump lined the shores at Orient Point and other spots on the South Fork as a "TrumpStock" boat parade passed by Friday.

Others posted photos and videos taken from their vessels as they joined the flotilla in support of the Trump family; the boat parade was one of the festivities planned as Trump headed to the Hamptons for a series of fundraisers this weekend.

"We're here to support Donald Trump," said Lori and Larry McNally of Aquebogue. "We're boaters and we hope there will be another boat parade on the Great South Bay."

Louise Catrone and Jane Mullikin, both from East Marion, said they came out, dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue, to support Trump.

Out on the water, mariners in vessels ranging from yachts to kayaks cheered, honked their horns, and sang along to songs including "God Bless the U.S.A." and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" as prizes including T-shirts and hats were given out.

The route was expanded due to the number expected to be in attendance; the parade began in Noyack Bay, headed to the Orient Point Lighthouse, and then to the Montauk Lighthouse before heading to Navy Beach for a tie-up.

Members of the Trump family were reportedly in attendance, including Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle.

Reported preparations for Trump's arrival took place Wednesday, with military helicopters engaging in a "practice run" at Southampton High School.

According to a post by CNBC.com, Trump's fundraising visit to the Hamptons was slated to begin with a dinner Thursday attended by Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle. Tickets were reportedly slated to cost up to $50,000.

On Saturday, tickets to the Hamptons fundraiser include a photo opportunity, roundtable and an event where tickets will fetch up to $500,000 per couple, with proceeds benefitting the Trump Victory Committee and Republican National Committee, the post said.

This is the second TrumpStock boat parade on Long Island in recent months; the first was held in June with separate routes in Patchogue and Massapequa.

"The best patriotic decorated boat along with the highest donator towards President Trump's campaign will have the honor to meet president Trump in person for a photo," the Facebook post said.

Boaters were asked to turn out to show their support not only for Trump but to "back the men in blue."

The event was hosted by Boaters for Trump New York, Businesses for Trump and others.

"For all of our Eastern Long Island boating enthusiasts, we are so excited to announce that we will be bringing the first Trump parade to the East End of Long Island called 'TrumpStock" with the Trump family in attendance to support President Trump in his home state," the post said.

Organizers added: "There will be two lead boats leading this very special parade, 'Team Deplorable' and the most well known boat in America, Carlos Gavidia's 'The Official Trump Boat' in which everyone attending the TrumpStock Parade will follow to the TrumpStock Flotilla to show everyone our support for our GREAT President, Donald J. Trump!"

Contest held to meet Trump

In addition, a contest was held in advance of the fundraiser and dinner; the winner will fly to Southampton to meet and take a photo with the president. Donations will benefit the Trump Make America Great Again Committee.