Harbor lights up

cruise of lights here, please.Huntington’s annual Christmas showcase is up and running this year, despite what you may have read on fliers.Ask the residents of Sunset Beach about this year’s boat parade and you’ll likely get the same answer: It’s not happening.

The water’s too cold. The boats are out of commission. There’s a Christmas-light shortage. Someone even went around Sunset Beach and pasted dozens of fliers on local businesses, declaring that this year’s boat parade had been canceled.

Look a little closer though, and on the same flier you’ll spot a disclaimer that the parade is really on -- they just don’t want anyone to know about it.

“The whole thing is a ruse to discourage people from clogging up the streets to watch the parade,” said Sunset Beach resident Chris Norton. “I think most people take it as a joke.”

Or they miss it entirely. Last weekend’s parade drew hundreds of spectators to Huntington Harbour, but most lived on the water or in nearby Sunset Beach. The parade is held each year to thank the residents for decorating their homes for the Cruise of Lights boat tour.

“The money we raise for the Cruise of Lights goes to support the music programs for 250,000 kids throughout Orange County,” said Eva Kilgore of the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee.

Beginning Wednesday night, residents can take a one-hour tour of Huntington Harbour on a ferry and view the palatial homes of the famous waterway, fully decorated in the Christmas spirit.

Huntington Harbour is one of Surf City’s most affluent neighborhoods, a neat conglomerate of man-made islands and waterfront homes known for its Southern California hospitality and neighborliness.

“It’s amazing how much people really get into decorating their homes,” said resident Gina Coulson. “People bring in full decorating teams, on-site electricians -- they really get into it.”

Coulson said she thought this year’s decorations weren’t as spirited as in years past, but it’s worth a look for those who enjoy Christmas decorations.

Some residents choose homey nativity scenes and images of Santa to decorate their homes, while others blanket their property in new-age light displays. A few even used choreographed computer-controlled lighting devices to synchronize their display to music.

Rides cost $10 for adults and $7 for children. Money raised for the event goes to the Orange County Philharmonic Society, which promotes music education in local schools. Organizers estimate that 10% of the proceeds will go to grants to purchase instruments for schools.

“The grants are a really big plus for our school to develop the music programs to a level that they should be at,” said Huntington Beach High instructor Gregg Gilboe. “It gives us something to be proud of, something that every student deserves.”

This year’s Cruise of Lights has already begun and will continue through Dec. 23. Rides run at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. during the week and 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. on the weekends. Tonight families will get a reduced rate. For information, call (714) 840-7573.20051215irh1feknPHOTOS BY DON LEACH / INDEPENDENT(LA)A home along the edge of Huntington Harbour shines brightly under a rising moon and clear skies, a perfect night to check out the area’s annual holiday home decorations. Below, a home in Huntington Harbour glistens with holiday lights. Cruises through the harbor to view the decorations continue through Dec. 23.20051215irh1fvkn(LA)