There is no greater indicator that it’s the holiday season in South Florida than a procession of yachts emblazoned with shimmering lights and ornaments cruising down the Intracoastal Waterway. Yes, there are a number of holiday boat parades to choose from on our shores, but only one is touted as the nation’s oldest: the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Celebrating its 52nd year, Pompano’s parade is said to have more than 40 boats participating. The route begins at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach and heads north to Deerfield Beach’s Two Georges Restaurant, where the cavalcade of decorated maritime vessels does an about-face and heads south again. Captains and seaworthy Santa Clauses should note that there is no entry fee to set sail in this spectacular holiday fete, and awards — such as Most Effective Lighting, Most Unique, Best Sound, and, of course, Best in Show — are up for grabs.
This floating illuminated holiday institution takes place Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. The route starts at Lake Santa Barbara, just south of the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge, and travels roughly eight miles along the Intracoastal to the Hillsboro Beach Boulevard Bridge in Deerfield Beach. Admission is free. Visit pompanobeachchamber.com, or call 954-941-2940.
Sun., Dec. 14, 2014