Relishing a hit parade

As we near age 100, we all can wish we’ll look as good as the Newport

Harbor Christmas Boat Parade.

Wednesday night the parade turned 96 as it chugged through the

harbor waters. And it shows no sign of quieting down.

Quite the contrary. This year’s theme, “A Winter Waterland,” seems

a perfect fit for our unusually wet and unusually cold fall. There

have been times, in fact, when Newport-Mesa felt almost truly

winter-like.

But never more than this week, with decked-out boats cruising

through the harbor and houses decorated to the nines (and in some

cases even further).

As legend has it, the parade was once dubbed by the New York Times

as one of the 10 top holiday events in the nation. Each year, it has

lived up to that reputation, and this year we don’t expect it to be

any different.

It’s an event that can be enjoyed by young and old, rich and poor,

Republican and Democrat.

All you need is a little holiday spirit and a love for the ocean,

a perfect combination here. It’s no wonder the Christmas Boat Parade

has been popular for nearly a century.

When gondolier John Scarpa dreamed up his Tournament of Lights 96

years ago, it’s hard to imagine that he foresaw what a tradition it

would become.

But it has become something special. The parade is more than just

a string of boats making merry in the harbor. It’s a Newport Beach

icon and a major boost to the local economy.

More than a million people are expected to attend the parade and

watch from local shores.

The parade makes up for a large chunk of the annual revenues for

local restaurants that will be packed to the gills with visitors

eager to get a look at the colorful water display.

So as this year’s parade kicks off, we urge you all to take a few

minutes out of your busy schedule and plan a trip to the harbor.

Take the family and sneak a peek at some of the biggest and

brightest boats and homes that ring the harbor. If that holiday

spirit is lagging, this is the sure cure.

Happy holidays, and happy sailing.