Christmas Parade of Lights - Boat Parade

Christmas
'Parade of Lights'

on Lake Ray Hubbard

Saturday, December 8, 2007
beginning 6:00PM

Location: The lighted Christmas boat parade started by going through Bayview Marina, then to Chandler's Landing Marina, past The Harbor in Rockwall, and finally along the I-30 bridge, back towards Bayview.

Event Flyer (opens in a new window)
Parade Route Map

Event Wrap-up: Though the constantly changing forecast had some of us worrying, we were blessed with the best wind and weather conditions in years, for for our Annual Christmas 'Parade of Lights' on Lake Ray Hubbard. Boats from Bayview and Chandler's Landing participated in the event, including the Dallas Fire-Rescue boat, 'Marine 1'.
The boats formed up behind the lead boat, MegaEasy dot Calm, piloted by John Miller. At 6:00pm, the 'Parade of Lights' procession began through Bayview Marina, then went across the lake and past Chandler's Landing, and on to The Harbor. Spectators waved and cheered, as the boats passed each location. After the parade passed The Harbor, it turned and sailed back towards Bayview, along the I-30 bridge. Traffic slowed to a crawl and some even pulled their cars onto the shoulder of the bridge, and got out to watch. The feedback from spectators has been enthusiastically positive. Joel, who organized the Chandler's contingent, said the folks at the Chandler's Yacht Club thought it was the best parade they'd watched in years.
After everyone docked their boats, it was time to go join the 'Deck the Docks' Party, where awards and prizes were given out.

The judges decided the 'Best Decorated' Boat, in three categories. The winning skippers were awarded a trophy and a bottle of champagne.
The judges were especially impressed with the "authentic-looking" live Santa, waving as he stood on the prow of the Ms. Kennedy. (Santa was certainly authentically "jolly", at the party, afterwards, too!)

Best Decorated Boats:

Large Power Boat	Don Riggs, "Ms. Kennedy"
Small Power Boat	Mark Matthews, "Marky Mark"
Sailboat	Scott Self (from Chandler's)

The Bayview participants in the 'Parade of Lights' were entered in a prize drawing, as a reward for making the effort that gave us such a wonderful, spectacular display. We wish to thank Bob Wilson, manager of the nearby West Marine store, for donating an Igloo ice chest and a pair of fleece throw blankets for the drawing (and, along with his wife, Ruth, for acting as part of our boat judging team.) Also, thanks to Larry Moore, co-owner of that great pipe and cigar shop over at The Harbor, En Fuego, for giving us a burl finish 'office' humidor and 10 nice cigars, for a prize. A Two Fingers Tequila Margarita kit rounded out the goodies for the drawing winners, Randy Pritchard, Don Riggs, Larry Nelson, and Dave Gladney.
Humidor from En Fuego

Donated for prize drawing, by En Fuego, at The Harbor

John and Jeannie Miller were awarded a plaque and Carolans Irish Creme gift box, for Best Decorated Slip (Also, thanks to John, for taking on lead boat duty in the parade). And, of course, 'M' Dock won the prize for Best Overall Dock - a case of wine, in mini bottles, to be split up and enjoyed by all those who helped put up the overwhelming and wonderful display of lights and decorations, spanning the entire length of the dock. Magnificent work, ya'll.

We'd like to thank Chief Howell, with the Rowlett Fire Department, and Chief Martin, with Dallas Fire-Rescue, for arranging the participation of 'Marine 1' in the parade. And thanks to Bruce and Gina Kincaid, for working as judges.