Strange pagan ritual at Raritan Yacht Club

There were some mighty strange goings-on down Raritan yacht Club way tonight in Perth Amboy, NJ. I snuck up on what can only be described as a weird pagan ritual. Here are some photos I was able to take at risk to my personal safety.   Here's the deal. Every year, the new sailing season is ushered in with a ritual burning of the socks. I am not positive about he story behind this but I believe the Juniors started it, i.e no more socks will be worn till the sailing season is done.