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Colorful boats, fireworks to light up night

By Staff | Dec 14, 2010

Photo provided Rich Weiner’s 44-foot Viking double cabin will appear as the second lead boat in the 34th annual Cape Coral Christmas Boat-A-Long on Sunday, Dec. 19 featuring many Christmas decorations.

The 34th annual Cape Coral Christmas Boat-A-Long will be held on Sunday, Dec. 19, featuring decorated boats, a fireworks display and many family-oriented activities at Four Freedoms Park.

The Cape Coral Christmas Boat-A-Long began its long tradition in 1976, after it was organized by Archie and Edwina Hahn, who since have passed away. Dave Drake took over the duties of parade organizer eight years ago.

Drake said the parade tradition continued because the Hahns loved his boat, Tinker Toy, which was his father’s boat. He decorated Tinker Toy as the lead boat for many years with gingerbread people, 6 ft. candy canes, wreaths, 2,000 lights and a live Santa with 280 flashing lights sewn into his suit. Four years ago Drake had to withdraw Tinker Toy from the parade due to its health and mechanical problems.

After Drake took over the responsibilities of organizing the parade he brought in a new generation of boaters. Last year the parade attracted more than 200 boats, which has not been done since the 25th annual event.

“Half way through the parade route, people were still getting out of the basin,” he said.

Drake said it is up to each individual on how they would like to decorate their boats. Some really “deck out their boats” and others simply add some lights.

“I don’t care if they have a string of lights on the boat, they are still in the parade,” he said.

Rich Weiner said he watched the Boat Parade for almost five years before his boat “Utopia” arrived in town. The Weiners decided to decorate their 44-foot Viking double cabin boat and join the parade about 10 years ago. For the last three years they been the second lead boat for the parade.

Last year, Weiner said he brought his grandchildren on the boat, in addition to his friends and family that typically join him for the parade every year.

“The kids had a ball,” he said, due to them wishing everyone a Merry Christmas with a karaoke machine they had on board.

The boat slowly transforms into a floating Christmas display of decorations every year little by little during a six to eight hour time period, which Weiner said does not include replacing bulbs.

“It’s a labor of love,” he said.

Weiner decorates his 1986 boat with a lighted reindeer and American flag, a spiral lighted tree and lots of icicle lights that are hung around the boat.

“I enjoy piloting the boat,” he said about being a part of the parade. “The parties along the parade route are phenomenal.”

Four Freedoms Park will also feature various activities for families during the annual boat parade from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Special Events Coordinator Todd King said the activities will include a visit from Santa Claus, holiday dance performances and holiday music from Oasis Elementary School Choir.

“It’s a family fun event to get people in the holiday spirit,” King said.

Santa Claus will arrive at Four Freedoms Park around 6:30 p.m. and will stay until the line of children who want to share their Christmas wishes becomes empty.

Festival friendly food and beverage vendors will be available to purchase.

This parade will begin with an upgraded firework display at 7 p.m. to let those on land know the parade has begun.

“It is a bigger show than ever,” he said.

The parade will be escorted by the Cape Coral police, with the route going in front of the crowd at Four Freedoms Park.

King said since they are anticipating a record number of boats this year, he encourages everyone who is viewing the parade on land to come early to secure space on one of the two bleachers that will be set up.

People can spend an “afternoon in the park and an evening of holiday fun,” he said.

After the parade is over the movie “Home Alone” will be played in the park around 8 p.m.

Drake said last year six of his captains reported that kayakers were paddling in front of their boats during the parade, which is a safety hazard. He encourages all kayakers to stay out of the parade route because boats will have a hard time slowing down if a kayak is spotted due to them traveling at 5 knots in close proximity.

Those who wish to participate in the event should have a boat that is at least 18 feet in length, with a 4 1/2 foot maximum draw, have the ability to make a 180 degree turn in a 200-foot canal and be able to clear a 55-foot electrical cable. There is no charge for the event and advertising is not permitted.

Rules, directions and maps can be emailed to those who are interested. For information call Drake at (239) 772-9578 or email CCboatparade@aol.com.