SAN PEDRO BOAT PARADE

It was a magical night for San Pedro residents as Saturday night they were witnesses to the dramatic evening spectacle; a flotilla of decorated lighted vessels glided through the Caribbean Sea shore for the 3rd annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. What could be more fun than celebrating the holidays and boating all at the same time? Every year, boaters and sight-seers of San Pedro participate in the holiday boat parade sponsored businesses on the island. After careful deliberation, it was no easy task for the judging panel as they had to choose winners of the night.

The parade kicked off north of downtown San Pedro in the Boca del Rio Area and made its way south to Coconuts Resort where they turned around and returned to the park for the awards ceremony. And, the winners of the night were: First place in the 15 foot to 18 foot powerboat went to #12 “Velie” captained by Milo Paz whilst second place went to #11 “Denise” captained by Wayne Alfaro Construction and Waterfront Realty. In the 26 foot to 34 foot powerboat category; fist place went to #7 North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (Search for Santa) captained by Harriette Fisher and Scott Harnish. A close second place went to #1 ‘Island Waves’ which was captained by Alex Chan of Extreme Adventures. First place in the 35 foot powerboat category went to #6 Sueño del Mar (Reindeer) which was captained by Jesus and Kevin whilst second went to #10 “Ecologic 1” captained by the crew at Ecologic Divers. For the only Sail Boat that entered the competition, George Eiley’s “Rum Punch” took that prize. In the Catamaran category, #15 ‘Escape” of Searious Adventures took first place honors whilst #14 “Dios da Vida” of Reef Radio and Ambergris Divers took second. Other prizes for Junior Division in schools went to “Outreach” of Holy Cross; “Escape” of Searious Adventures took Most Artistic; Best Religious went to “Outreach” of Holy Cross; Best Overall Boat went to Reef Radio’s and Ambergris Divers “Dios da Vida”, whilst a new addition of “try harder next year’ went to #8 ‘No Rush’ by the 4C Class of the San Pedro High School. Finally, the Mayor’s Trophy went to “Outreach” of Holy Cross. Boats were decorated with dazzling lights and some even carried elaborate displays representing their chosen theme, like Santa and reindeers, to dolphins and palm trees. Spreading the holiday cheer as trophy sponsors were: Dalia’s Store, Lily’s Treasure Chest, Funtasea Jungle Tours, Nasser Grocery Store, Blue Water Grill, Julie Babcock of Caye Casa, and Gil Carlson of Re/Max Isla Bonita.

After the spectacle, land-lubbers and party goers joined DJ Debbie at the Central Park in anticipation of the results. Children also had the opportunity to take a picture with Santa who was on hand to spread the cheer at the Saga Humane fundraiser booth. Other booths included the sale of the new and exciting Belizean produced calendar called “Belizean Cocktails,” as well as the official boat parade t-shirts.

While the idea might be fairly new to some of us, this tradition has been around for three years now. It took the planning committee months to prepare for the event that provided twice the sparkle of the season as twinkling lights reflected on the sea. The Christmas Boat Parade, which has been hailed as one of the top holiday happenings in the nation, was truly a magical memory to jumpstart the Christmas season. Happy Holidays to all!!

SAN PEDRO SUN