Punta Gorda Boat Parade (Christmas: 2013, home, live in)

[MikMal]

I see where the Punta Gorda Boat Parade will be held on Dec. 21st. It's being billed as the biggest on the entire Gulf coast. I've always enjoyed the one held near Annapolis. While I won't be able to make the P.G. parade this year, I hope others get to enjoy it! If you've never experience one, it's worth the experience.

[chuckycheese]

Last year, the one in PGI was fantastic. The weather was perfect, too. (Quite cool and really clear.)

[MikeM8560]

don't forget the charlotte harbor parade the 21 Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce:

[TamRE]

I have been to both and they are equally as nice. If you have never been, it is definitely worth seeing. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend either one this year. I will be in Disney on the 15th and our work party is the 21st. Enjoy if you go - it really gets you in the Christmas spirit.

[MikeM8560]

Punta Gorda Boat Parade

Always, The Saturday Night Before Christmas Eve

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE ! !

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Parade Coordinators

Tom Little 941-769-0002
Harris Bowers 941-625-2295

PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA, November 30, 2013 — MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE FOR THE BIGGEST CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE ON THE ENTIRE GULF COAST !

Santa Claus announced MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE as the theme for the 12th Annual Punta Gorda Boat Parade sailing on December 21st, 2013.

“It’s an annual opportunity for the community to show its support by making a JOYFUL NOISE that’s music to my ears” said Santa. “We have a new, 7.5 mile route this year, and it’s up on the website.” said Santa. “I’ll be watching to make sure you bring noisemakers.” he said. “Elves and reindeer especially like to hear sleigh bells, so don’t forget to bring them.” he added.

Known to Old Timers as the “Rim Canal Parade,” this different, interactive spectacular event extends over 7.5 bridgeless miles of the protected canals of Punta Gorda Isles. Spectators participate by bringing sleigh bells, tambourines, cow bells and tremendous applause creating a JOYFUL NOISE, cheering for their favorite boats up close and personal as the flotilla glides by. “We’re uniquely different because spectators are up close to cheer and make a joyful noise as carolers, musicians and dancers entertain, less than fifty feet away.” said Tom Little, Parade Coordinator.
“Last year well over 12,000 spectators enjoyed the flotilla from numerous vacant lots and from the countless private parties along the route” said Little, “This is the big family holiday event where people plan parties a year in advance. It’s a fun parade where the floats actually do float.” Little added.

“Up close and personal with audience participation makes this a unique showcase community event with the largest participation on the Gulf Coast.” said Harris Bowers, Parade Coordinator. “With no entry fees, no judging, no prizes, no cash awards, no trophies, no official parade theme and no grand marshal, we’re commercial free. We don’t care how simple or fancy your decorations are. It’s just a relaxed, easygoing, fun parade where boaters and cheering spectators making JOYFUL NOISES from the docks and seawalls. This interaction is all part of the fun.” said Bowers. “It’s truly all about the spirit of the season. This is what makes a Punta Gorda Christmas so very special.” he said. “Our website has all the necessary information for spectators, our new 2012 parade route, and is especially helpful to new boaters who are thinking of joining the event for the first time. We have a printable event map, decorating tips and an entry form at http://www.puntagordaboatparade.com/seminar.html said Bowers.

AN INTERACTIVE PARTICIPATING EVENT FOR SPECTATORS
Spectators bring sleighbells, cowbells and other noisemakers to play their important part in the fun, making a joyful noise, cheering on their favorite decorated boats as they glide past only fifty feet away. The boats come very close to the seawalls and docks to give the cheering crowds a unique opportunity to connect with the boat crews while getting an exclusive up close look at all the creative, imaginative holiday decorations and performers. Come out, enjoy this magical display of holiday spirit and do not forget your camera.
“Past years have seen the Grinch, lighted pelicans, sea dragons, dolphins, gingerbread men, Santa’s sleigh, menorahs, and doves of peace. We have a boat featuring characters and props from the film A Christmas Story and who can forget the wonderfully lit pig coming out of the stocking, the flying airplanes, the helicopter or the moving watering can and color changing poinsettia?” asked Little. “We have trumpeters, dancing candy canes, carolers, and even bagpipes. Folks come from miles away to join us for this once a year, unforgettable, magical night, the definite highlight of our holiday season.” said Parade Coordinator Tom Little.

For those who want to learn how easy it is to decorate a boat for the parade this year the Punta Gorda Boat Parade will be hosting a FREE BOAT AND HOME DECORATING CLINIC at the Isles Community Center on Saturday November 23 from 9 AM to Noon. Check out the details at Punta Gorda Boat Parade

FOR BOATERS, IT’S PEAK LIGHT NIGHT
Many homeowners decorate especially for the Parade, peaking on the Saturday Night Before Christmas Eve, the night decorations are at their fullest, and best seen by boat with lights multiplied by the reflection on the water. Be sure to bring your camera!
The decorated seawalls result in a well lit parade route. Safe navigation is easy, following the other lighted boats. This year we have added lighted turn arrows. The Charlotte County Sheriff and City of Punta Gorda Police officially escort the parade. Weather is not a concern within the broad sheltered canals, nor are windblown low tides, with six foot water depth all along the Parade route. Dockage is available so you can easily leave your boat before and after the parade. Dockage is also available at the parade assembly area so you can safely await the parade start.
Savvy entries have friends help decorate their boat and then host a pre-parade raft-up at the assembly area on Saturday afternoon, sharing hors de oeuvres with other boaters. Invite your guests to be a part of the decorations with coordinated outfits, costumes, and even props. Live music, carolers, themed characters, or dancers are popular additions to the light displays. Your guests will always remember this very special night cruise.
Participating in the “light up’ of the fleet at sunset is a spectacle only the parading boaters can truly enjoy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Go to Punta Gorda Boat Parade for the new parade route, viewing areas, great decorating tips for first timers and entry forms.

[Vikingen]

We will be watching the event on the 21st this year. How crowded does it normally get? Do we have to be out early to secure a spot?

[MikeM8560]

I got a spot last year on a vacant lot on Antigua. best to get a spot early

[chuckycheese]

Originally Posted by MikeM8560

I got a spot last year on a vacant lot on Antigua. best to get a spot early

As long as it's not posted, I think it's legal to do that but I'm still very surprised that it's so highly encouraged by the parade organizers. I suspect someday it will become a big issue....especially since we live in such a litigious society. (It's not legal to fish on someone else's property without expressed permission, but that's a different story!!)

[MikeM8560]

does anybody take there boat out to watch the harbor parade? I was thinking of trying it Sunday evening maybe drowning a few shrimp too

[MikeM8560]

well it was great warm and a light breeze first time I took the boat to watch the parade , next year I need to get a new bar b que for the boat