Holiday Boat Parade of Lights set for Dec. 9

Prime viewing areas in Sarasota are Marina Jack, Bayfront Park and Centennial Park, city manager advises

Photo courtesy City of Sarasota

Traditionally, the second Saturday of December is reserved for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights in Sarasota, “and this year is no exception!” City Manager Tom Barwin has reported.

Dec. 9 will mark “the 32nd year for this festive event that lights up Sarasota Bay,” Barwin added in his Dec. 1 newsletter.

“Instead of decking the halls, local boat captains deck the … boat decks,” Barwin wrote. “Entries range from small vessels to yachts,” he continued, “and all are bright, colorful and filled with the holiday spirit.”

The parade route will wind through Sarasota Bay, starting near New Pass and ending at Marina Jack in downtown Sarasota, he noted. The best viewing areas are Marina Jack, Bayfront Park and Centennial Park in Sarasota, he added. “All public viewing areas are free and open to all,” he pointed out.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m.

“A prime viewing area at Marina Jack will be reserved again this year for approximately 60 special needs children, with arrangements made by Suncoast Charities for Children in conjunction with local agencies,” Barwin noted. “This is one of two community events hosted each year by the Suncoast Charities for Children, with the other being the Grand Prix Boat Races,” Barwin wrote.