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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Newport
Beach Christmas Boat Parade December 15- 19, 2010 @6:30 PM
Newport
Beach--One of California's
best known Christmas boat parades is located in the harbor
where John Wayne and other water-loving yachtsmen made this
Orange County city famous for celebrity star power.
But another kind of
star shines each year around Christmas time (Dec. 25). Even
when black & white silent movies were filmed in the bay,
there was a Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. A tradition
that not only honors the season, but also some of the oldest
California yacht clubs and the spirit of adventure, is one
of the most anticipated annual events in Southern
California. Nothing short of brilliant, its lights shine
underneath the stars that bathe the Newport harbor and bay
with a special glow.
Hosted by Newport
Beach Chamber of Commerce Commodores Club, get ready for
five nights of color, sparkling lights, and crowds, to be
sure. Getting there can be a challenge (not quite as
difficult as the 4th of July), but the views are well worth
it if you score a parking spot to watch this feast for the
eyes. (Easiest parking is in the municipal parking lot
across the street next to the Balboa Pier and Ruby's
Original Diner.)
If you aren't standing
on a bridge or beach along the peninsula, you may consider
booking a dinner spot or boat charter ride to get out and
see it first hand. Beginning around 6:30 pm, a parade
commentator will announce the entries in the parade, and you
can hear them along the Fun Zone area near Balboa Pavilion.
From carolers singing Christmas favorites, to nearly 100
vessels ranging from kayaks to yachts, the backdrop of the
darkened night lets imaginations run with unpredictable
entries to the theme of "100 Years of Christmas
Cheer." In addition to the boats being lit, harbor homes
and business also participate in a decorating contest that
brings the Balboa Peninsula and island residents out for
some neighborly fun. Categories: Best Lights and Animation,
Best Music, Best Demonstration of Theme, Best New Entry, and
Best Humor and Originality. If the opportunity is closed for
this year's official Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
poster, contact Jeff Parker at (949) 7294408 and ask him how
you can get listed for next year.
christmasboatparade.com
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