Are you getting excited for the boat parade? I am! The turnout and weather promises to be good this year so Ill see you all on the water!!
This year the parade will be led by Boat #1, longtime parade participant Jonathan Jones, in the Christmas tree boat. Please meet at 5:30 in Jones Bay, on our side of the RR bridge, and come by the dock at 159A Tarpon for pictures. We will start lining up and heading down the lateral canal towards Blue Heron right before 6:00. You do not need to line up in order, just follow the Christmas tree! Please try to stay together with the parade and complete all canals. There are judges on each canal, so the more canals you complete the better your chance of winning! There will be a drawing for prizes a week after the parade. All entrants guaranteed a prize, but you MUST return your numbers to be entered!!
It's not too late to register if you want to participate! www.bvboatparade.com
Captains meeting
Although we usually have a Captain's Meeting prior to parade day, there will not be one this year due to COVID concerns. Boat numbers can be obtained from Shelby at 373 Ling beginning Thursday the 10th. Please call before you come over at 850-313-0255 Please be sure to read and abide by the safety measures and procedures below. For any issues before or during the parade contact: o Shelby Dill 850-313-0255 o Donna Mayeaux 713-562-7282 o Kathy Chrappa 832-703-2432
Parade Procedures
Place the numbers on your boat where judges can see them (Starboard side). All boats will meet by 5:30 PM in Highland Bayou in front of 159A Tarpon (near the Railroad Bridge). Please swing by the dock at 159A for pictures and to check boat numbers. Just before 6 PM, boats should begin getting in line behind the lead boat. Lead boat this year is long time participant, Jonathan Jones and his Christmas tree boat. NOTE- Boats DO NOT need to be lined up by their number. Just line up. Just before 6 PM, I will signal the start, at which time the lead boat will make it's way to the starting canal. This year Blue Heron is the starting canal. As always, boats will enter each canal on the right (Starboard) side. Be on the lookout for underwater lights, diving boards, and other objects. Travel a little faster than normal down the canals, but keep wakes reasonable. Travel down to the end of each canal even if you do not see any lights up. We always have some folks with no lights on, but still have kids on the dock. They are very disappointed if we do not get to them. You are encouraged to throw candy or beads to the crowds. Some tips include pre-bagging candy in small bags for more weight and float ability. Be sure and bring enough and ration it wisely. Please do not throw any sugar free candies because the xylitol in them is dangerous to dogs. Feel free to bring dog biscuits for the dogs. Most years we have an after party. Unfortunately we will not have one this year due to COVID concerns. Winners will be posted on the Bayou Vista Unofficial Facebook page and Message Board after the parade. There are judges on each canal. Please try to complete all the canals. The canals at the end of the parade route tend to get fewer boats but you should finish each canal for a better chance to win. There will be a drawing held for prizes one week after the parade and it will be live-streamed on the Bayou Vista Unofficial Facebook page. To be entered in the drawing you MUST return your numbers to the parade coordinator Shelby Dill at 373 Ling.
SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY!!! is our first concern. Do NOT follow behind a boat too closely. Beware of the scenario where the boat in front of you loses its generator/power and suddenly has no lights. You need to have time to avoid this common situation.
