Downsized Christmas Boat Parade still makes a splash

Like many events this year, the recent 2020 Moorings Christmas Lighted Boat Parade was a scaled-down but no less festive version of the four decade-plus tradition. The parade was hosted by the Moorings Yacht Club, Moorings Realty Sales Company and Moorings of Vero Property Owners Association. Additionally, when they learned there wouldn’t otherwise be a Christmas tree, the Wheels & Keels Foundation stepped in to sponsor the gaily lit tree.

George Bryant, parade chairman, said there were 14 boats in the parade, one having dropped out due to a possible coronavirus exposure. There was no choir this year and while many remained in or near their cars, chairs were made available for people to safely distance themselves along the seawall.

“Usually we get 350 people here, but it looks like we’ve got about 60 or 70 right now, so we’re happy with that; that’s a good showing,” said emcee Vince DeTurris.

“It’s difficult to have this type of an event and maintain distances, as we’re trying to do in the Yacht Club. This is just what you have to live with, given the situation,” said Bryant, adding wistfully, “Maybe next year there won’t be so much of a problem.”

DeTurris provided a running commentary as the holiday armada of yachts, pontoon boats and fishing boats, guided by a United States Coast Guard cutter, made its way to the viewing area along the Cutlass Cove seawall, where boaters and viewers called out holiday greetings to one another.

Deputies Luke Kepper and Brian Aguiar of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol kept a watchful eye on the festively decorated craft, which were adorned with everything from lighted dolphins to Santa and his friends, and even a colorful holiday dragon.

“What we’re trying to achieve is community involvement,” said Bryant. “This is a major feature of the Moorings; it always has been.”

Photos by: Brenda Ahearn
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