Holiday Boat Parade Plans Already Under Way
|
| By: Ambrosia Sarabia | Thursday, November 13, 2008 12:00:00 AM |
| Last updated: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 4:26:00 PM |
Entry forms now available for events from San Diego to Marina del Rey. The turkey may not be on the table yet, but it’s already time to unpack the holiday decorations, untangle the lights and get ready to fill the boat with holiday cheer. Harbors from San Diego to Marina del Rey have just begun to announce dates and entry information for their much-anticipated holiday boat parades — a Southern California tradition.
 | | | | | Join the Fun — Boaters are invited to participate in Southern California’s traditional holiday boat parades, which begin early next month. In some events, participants who decorate their boats can win prizes in a variety of categories. | | |
|
San Diego
The Port of San Diego’s 37th annual San Diego Parade of Lights is expected to draw more than 80,000 people to the waterfront on Dec. 14 and 21.
Boaters will decorate their vessels to the theme of “Rock and Roll Around the Bay,” with the hope of taking home a prize and catching the attention of spectators.
The event will kick off with a fireworks display at 5:30 p.m., and more than 100 boats will then cruise from the east end of Shelter Island to the downtown waterfront and the Coronado area. Spectators are urged to arrive early, as parking at Harbor Island is on a first-come first-served basis.
For more information, visit www.sdparadeoflights.org.
Newport Harbor
The granddaddy of all holiday boat parades, the 100th annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade, will start nightly at 6:30 off Bay Island, Dec. 17-21. This year’s theme is “100 Years of Christmas Cheers,” and the event is expected to be the largest holiday boat parade in Newport Harbor history.
For boat parade and Ring of Lights shoreside decorating contest entry information — including details on the new parade route for 2008 — visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
Dana Point
The holiday spirit will be in full swing during Dana Point’s Holiday in the Harbor and 34th annual Boat Parade of Lights — starting Dec. 5.
There will be something for everyone during the event, as the day will begin with activities, photo opportunities and other activities. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. The events will be held at three areas of the harbor: Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariner’s Alley.
The fun will begin in front of Harpoon Henry’s at 34555 Golden Lantern.
On Dec. 7, children will get a chance to take a cruise through the harbor with Santa Claus during “Boat Rides With Santa,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vessels will be boarded at the Dana Wharf Sportfishing dock at 34675 Golden Lantern.
During this year’s Boat Parade of Lights, boaters will aim to beat out the competition by decorating to the theme of “Santa’s Sealife.” Participants can enter their boat in a range of categories, including judge’s choice, most colorful, most original, best sailboat and best powerboat. To enter the parade, call (949) 923-2255.
The Boat Parade of Lights will start at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 7, 12 and 13.
For more information on the parade and events, visit www.danapointharbor.com.
Marina del Rey
Children can catch a glimpse of jolly old Saint Nick during the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, as Santa Claus will serve as the grand marshal. Boaters can deck out their vessels with all things “Santa” this year, as the parade’s theme is “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
Spectators are invited to view the parade Dec. 13 and visit with the man of the hour after the parade at Burton Chace Park.
This year, a two-for-one special is being offered to entice new boaters to the parade. When a past participant enters the parade and they bring along a new participant, one entry fee will be waived.
Fireworks will be among the highlights of the boat parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Those interested in volunteering during the parade or who would like to enter their vessel can call Cindy Williams at (310) 670-7130 or visit www.mdrboatparade.org.
Belmont Shore
While it may not be on the water, the 26th annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade has a theme that’s all about water. And the well-attended event is in need of your help.
Floats will be decorated under the theme of “A Winter Water Wonderland.” The parade’s committee recently issued a release reaching out to sponsors to donate to the Dec. 6 parade. The funds will help sponsor marching bands and nonprofit organizations.
The parade will start at 6 p.m., on Second Street.
To make a donation, call Brooke Kennard, executive director of the Belmont Shore Business Association, at (562) 434-3066. For more information on the parade, visit www.belmontshore.org.
Los Angeles Harbor
Boaters in the Wilmington/ San Pedro area are invited to join in the 46th annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade, with the theme “Cruisin’ Into the Holidays.”
Spectators can view the many decorated vessels, and wave hello to the grand marshal: Jerilyn Lòpez Mendoza, Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commission vice president. Along with decorated powerboats and sailboats, historic tall ships will also join in the fun.
The parade can been seen from East Basin, Banning’s Landing, Wilmington marinas, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Cruise Ship Plaza, Ports O’Call Village, 22nd Street Landing, Cabrillo Marina and S.S. Lane Victory.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.
For more information, or to enter your boat, contact Donna Ethington at (310) 549-8111.
A complete list of Southern California boat parades will be published in the next edition of The Log.
This article first appeared in the November 2008 issue of The Log Newspaper. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
