‘Surf, Sand and Santa’ Is Newport Boat Parade Theme
May 22, 2012
Byline: The Log Staff
NEWPORT BEACH — “Surf, Sand and Santa” — submitted by local resident Adam Gafke — has been chosen as the winning theme for the 2012 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
Gafke’s theme was selected from more than 100 that were entered in the parade’s annual contest. The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, along with the Commodores Club, are eager to see what ideas the creative boat parade participants will come up with to fit this theme, parade organizers said.
Each year, many boaters and home decorating contest participants build entries around the theme, with strings of lights and eye-catching decorations.
For submitting the winning theme, Adam will enjoy a free excursion for two on the official lead boat — or “Santa Boat” — for an evening during the parade, to get a close-up view of his theme in action.
Past themes have included “Let Freedom Ring” from 2001; “Celebrating America with Lights” in 2002; “A Holiday Beach Celebration” in 2003; “A Winter Waterland” in 2004; “Centennial Celebration of Lights” in 2005; “Holiday Magic through the Eyes of a Child” in 2006; “Twas the Lights Before Christmas” in 2007; “100 Years of Christmas Cheer” in 2008; “The Joys of Christmas Toys” in 2009; “Lights … Camera … Christmas in Newport Beach” in 2010; and “Feelin’ Christmas-Sea in Newport Beach” in 2011.
This year’s parade will run for five consecutive nights — beginning Wednesday, Dec. 19 and ending Sunday, Dec. 23. The parade starts off Bay Island at 6:30 p.m. and finishes at the same site at approximately 9 p.m. each evening, completing its 14.7-mile route around Newport Harbor.
For more information about the parade, call the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce at (949) 729-4400 or visit christmasboatparade.com.
