Ho ho hold on . . .
Are we really talking about the 2018 Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade already?!! Well, I guess summer’s over. That sure seemed like a short year.
Don’t get me wrong. We love the holiday season and all that it brings. Who doesn’t enjoy big family dinners, football, crazy holiday parties, football, bonfires, cool-weather camping, and did I mention football?
But as the temps begin to drop, our sights are set on the many festivities that come with the holidays. Foremost on our boating list is the 2018 Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade.
Last year’s parade was bigger than ever. We were one of nearly 280 boats that participated in the 2017 parade. It was AWESOME!!
Here comes Santa Claus, right down Sykes Creek Way. . .
The 2018 Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade will be on Saturday December 15th, 2018. The parade will start at the south end of Sykes Creek and proceed through the many finger canals of Merritt Island. Boats will begin to gather before sunset.
Just like last year, the Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade is hosted by the great folks at Blue Marlin Realty and Stingray Boats.
This holiday gathering is very well organized and is also a judged event. Registered participants are issued a unique number based on boat size. Prizes are awarded for creative lighting and decorations.
Heck, there is even an award for best “House Party” for residents hosting big gatherings at their homes along the parade route.
Sarah and Kaleb from Blue Marlin Realty and Aaron from Stingray Boats do a fantastic job of coordinating this parade. It is obvious however, that organizing an event of this size requires the involvement of many people. Our hats are off to all of those that work hard to put on this event.
Even the “Captain’s Meeting” prior to the parade has a life of it’s own. This is where you sign-up your boat (or house party)and receive your number.
Have some drinks and enjoy a great meal. Along with registration, there are raffles for tons of fabulous prizes, and of course, many good words regarding boat safety during the parade.
Don’t miss it!
We have enjoyed participating in a variety of Christmas boat parades for close to 20 years now. After an unbelievably fun time at last year’s Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade, we can’t imagine ever missing it.
Jennifer and I would encourage all of you boaters that follow our blog to check out this parade. We’re sure that this event will become your family’s Christmas tradition every year.
Just decorate your boat, string as many lights as you can (safely), and get out there! Remember to dress warmly. Maybe bring some blankets and something warm in a thermos (we take chowder. . .mmm).
Additional information for the 2018 Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/375890426282549/.
If you’ve done the parade in past years or have any questions about it, please leave a comment. Don’t forget to subscribe below so we can email you about our latest post.
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