Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade Returns Dec. 14

BRADENTON – The Bradenton Yacht Club will once again host the 16th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 14. The annual event features boats of all shapes and sizes, decorated with Christmas lights and themes to celebrate the season. Spectators can witness the boats from either side of the river.

Boats will stage in the river near Desoto Park, where they light up for a Christmas spectacular. They will proceed to the Bradenton Yacht Club, which is open to the public for this event. After dazzling spectators and judges there, they line back up and pass by the Regatta Pointe Marina (1005 Riverside Drive, Palmetto) before heading over to the Twin Dolphin Marina (1000 1st Ave West, Bradenton) for their final showing.

Some boats that are small enough will pass under the bridges then travel east to pass in front of Tarpon Pointe Marina before circling back. There are a number of restaurants along the path from which to view the parade.

Categories and Prizes:
 
40 feet and over
31-39 feet
30 feet and under
Corporate (all sizes)   

1st place: $250
2nd place: $100
3rd place: $50
(Corporate entries will qualify for gift cards)

A public award ceremony will be held immediately following the parade at the Bradenton Yacht Club.