When the holiday season comes here in Key West, the only white in
our “white Christmas” comes from the sand on the beaches. That does not mean
that we don’t celebrate the holidays in style, just that it looks a little
different here in paradise.
One of our great holiday
celebrations comes from the Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley Lighted Boat Parade.
December 14th at 8:00 pm boats will set sail to the Key West Bight
and Harbor. For Key West and the Florida Keys this boat parade is representative of the holiday season- tropical
style. Kids from the Gerald Adams
Elementary School “Steel Your Heart” band will begin the festivities at 6:00 pm
by performing your favorite holiday tunes on stage at Schooner Wharf. The
“Steel Your Heart” band performance will be followed by The Doerfels, a family
of kids and young adults who will sing more Christmas classics.
The main focus of the parade of course is the boats.
Vessels of all kinds will be decorated and compete for bragging rights, over $20,000 in prizes and a free
raffle with items valued at more than $4,000. The attractive prizes encourage
boaters to bring out their best creative ideas and designs. They string their
vessels in garlands, lights and icicles from bow to stern.
In previous years, we have seen everything from kayaks with battery powered lights, to fishing vessels and even classic schooners. Previous contest winners
have included dolphins jumping out of the water, sea horses and other island
creatures. Expect palm trees in place of Christmas pines. Conch shells, a few
Grinches, dancing gingerbread men and sparkling ornaments on the vessels all
competing for the most creative.
Boats will throw candy and beads to waiting spectators.
Those there to watch the parade will be able to shop handmade ornaments and
crafts and purchase holiday drinks and food sold by groups trying to raise
money for their clubs. The captain’s meeting is on Friday, Dec 13th
at 8 pm on Schooner Wharf’s upper deck.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the Key
West area, please contact me, Jimmy Lane,
at Key West Real Estate for all
of your real estate needs. You can also reach
me at 305-766-0585.