Christmas by the Seaside

Indian Rocks Beach sparkled, reflected, danced and partied to the 25th Annual Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, evening.  Thirty boats lined up at the Holiday Inn Harborside and proceeded north at seven pm through the inter-coastal waterway, travelling along each canal.

The parade takes approximately two hours, with the boats playing Christmas carols and one boat had a choir on board.

Many residents of Indian Rocks Beach host their Christmas parties on this evening and guests, sporting formal to casual wear, line balconies, back gardens, docks and bridges as they cheer for their favourite boat.



This barrier island community has 5,000 home owners. It is estimated that 75% of the homes on the inter-coastal waterway host a party on this special evening.

We were guests at the home of Tricia's  who provided a delicious menu of gumbo soup, coconut shrimp, hot Cuban sandwiches, key lime pie and key lime iced cookies.




We watched the parade around an open chimera fire.

Prizes are awarded to the boats for best in category.
Does your community have a boat parade?

Comments

  1. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid SassDecember 24, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Such a beautiful time, Helen! Everything looks so bright and Christmasy.
    Has been nice getting to know you. Looking forward to 2012!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. helen tilstonDecember 27, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    Teresa at Splendid Sass

    Thank you dear Teresa for you visit.
    Your comments and support are much appreciated.
    Wishing you and you family blessings in 2012.

    Violetta, Mary Rose and Helenxxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. ACravanJanuary 12, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    In Tuxedo Park, there's a boat parade of electric boats (the big lake is a reservoir) on July 4. Your boat parade looks better. Your Christmas looks terrific. Caroline and I are sure we'll be in Florida someday. Curtis

    ReplyDelete

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