Area's oldest holiday boat parade sets sail Dec. 11

It’s free, fun and festive
By Ric Green
President, Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce
Pompano Beach - The 49th Annual Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade sails on Sunday, Dec. 11. The parade, co-sponsored by the City of Pompano Beach and the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, weighs anchor at Lake Santa Barbara and moves north on the Intracoastal Waterway making its way through Lighthouse Point, Hillsboro Beach and ending in Deerfield Beach.
 This historic parade, reported to be the oldest holiday boat parade in this area, is free to enter and watch.
“Members of the local boating community are the reason the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade has been around for 49 years,” said Gwen Leys, chair of the 2011 edition of the city’s oldest continuous holiday tradition. “There is no charge to enter,” Leys continued. “We are proud to be the free, fun and easy boat parade.”
Each year thousands of spectators line the five-mile route to view the glitz, glamour, creative costumes, special effects and music.
The boats will sail from Lake Santa Barbara at 6:30 p.m. turning the waterway into a glistening showcase featuring sparkling small outboards, stoic sailboats and majestic luxury yachts.
Grand marshals this year are Miami Heat star and Pompano Beach resident, Mike Miller, who shares the honor with Rachel Wheeler, an 11-year-old who has raised over $175,000 to build homes in earthquake-ravaged Haiti through the Coconut Creek based “Food for the Poor.”
The chamber welcomes businesses and residents as well as sponsors for this year’s parade. Parade participants enjoy the thrill of the parade and captains and their crews are invited to the pre-boat party given every year.
Registration forms are available at The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, 2200 East Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach. [A copy of the registration form is on page 6 in this issue's downloadable PDF]
Captains who pre-register and attend the safety meeting at the Isle Casino Pompano Park will receive a commemorative t-shirt as well as chances to win special door prizes. Trophies for the winners will be presented at a special event in January 2012 at Oceans 234 on A1A in Deerfield Beach.
Seats are still available on the lead boat, The Musette, where passengers can view the parade and the decorated shoreline while live music and dancing takes place. The $55 tickets includes a buffet dinner and an open bar. The Musette will depart from the Two Georges at the Cove, Deerfield Beach, with boarding beginning at 5 p.m. For tickets call 561- 791-9686 or 855-687-3883 or visit www.musettecharter.com.
For further information on sponsorship and boat participation call the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce at 954- 941-2940, visit their website www.pompanobeachchamber.com.