June Casagrande Last year, the theme of...

June Casagrande

Last year, the theme of the annual Christmas Boat Parade was “Let

Freedom Ring” -- a more than apropos salute to America. But this

year, while trying to come up with a new theme, organizers realized

that patriotism is as important as ever. Their solution? This year’s

theme: “Celebrating America With Lights.”

“It holds on to last year’s patriotic theme but also includes the

more traditional Christmas boat parade, known for its lights,” said

Doug Stuckey, spokesman for the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber’s Commodores Club puts on the event, now in its 94th

year. The nationally known event has been pared down this year to a

shorter scheduled and a shorter route in hopes of encouraging more

boaters to participate. More than 150 vessels are expected to

participate this year. Boaters volunteer their time and money

decorating their boats to parade them in front of about 1 million

spectators in an event the New York Times once hailed as one of the

Top 10 Holiday Events in the country.

This year’s route, an attempted compromise between participants

and homeowners accustomed to having the parade pass by their

backyards, will follow the same route as last year on Friday and

Saturday only. On Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, the parade will

follow a shortened course. The number of days has also been reduced.

Traditionally held seven days every year from Dec. 17 through 23, it

will now begin on a Wednesday a week or two before Christmas as

continue through the following Sunday.

“It was a way to try to make everyone happy,” Stuckey explained.

Details of this year’s parade will soon be posted to the Web site

www.christmasboatparade.com, Stuckey said. For registration, routes,

viewing locations or general information, call the chamber of

commerce at (949) 729-4400.