Centennial Christmas Boat Parade: Sail of the century!
Mary Schenkel
The Vero Beach Centennial Christmas Boat Parade set sail to illuminate the joy of the season as more than 20 boats delighted the crowds gathered to watch the lighted watercraft pass by. Having decked their ships with lights strung from the rigging with care, crews manned the crafts in frosty air.
Veroites gathered along both sides of the Indian River Lagoon and on the dock at the Fountains of Royal Palm Pointe, where Ms. Centennial, Anna Valencia Tillery, gave a running commentary.
“It’s a great kickoff for boaters; a way to get energized about Christmas and our ties to the water,” said Brian Cunningham of Vero Beach Marine, parade organizer and sponsor.
Winning boats:
25-foot and under – Vero Beach Rowing Club’s dragon boat;
26- to 30-foot – Robert Plant’s Crest pontoon boat;
31-foot and up – John Bacon’s Après Ski.
Photos by: Leigh Green
Click HERE to see more or buy photos