Despite dire forecasts that the weather would be frightful, it turned out quite delightful, as roughly 300 Moorings residents and friends gathered by the water at Compass Cove last Friday evening for the 2018 Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, presented by the Moorings Yacht Club, Moorings Realty Sales Company and Moorings of Vero Property Owners Association.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments and camaraderie before sitting along the waterside viewing area where they were entertained by members of the Indian River Charter High School Choir while waiting for the sun to set.

Little ones looked on in awe at an authentic-looking Santa Claus, a few of the braver ones enticed to pull gently on his beard to the delight of the jolly old fellow, before he led the countdown to the lighting of the Moorings Christmas tree.

Parade organizer Vince DeTurris noted that for the first time in many years, 95-year-old Peter Ross was not leading the parade. DeTurris said this was his own last year as organizer, explaining that he made a pact many years ago with Ross that “when he gives up, I’ll give up.”

“It’s wonderful to see you all here; it’s fun to be here,” said Ross, after being invited to the podium. “Merry Christmas everybody!”

This year’s lead boat was a United States Coast Guard 900-horsepower chase boat, followed by a fleet of festively bedecked pleasure boats, beginning with a magnificently decorated 67-foot McKinna, boasting a 10 1/2-foot-tall lighted reindeer at the very top.

As DeTurris introduced and provided commentary about each boat and owner, friends in the crowd waved and called out their appreciation. Even those on board were bedecked in elaborate lights, competing with the decor on decks festooned with twinkling lights from bow to stern to outriggers, augmented with Christmas trees, Santas, snowmen, reindeer, snowflakes and, of course, Florida-centric dolphins and flamingos.

In addition to the Coast Guard, an Indian River County Fire Rescue and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office boat each lent a hand for the evening’s festivities.