Christmas in July Boat Parade lights up Naples Causeway

The 6th annual Naples Christmas in July Boat parade returned to the Naples Causeway on Saturday, July 19 and it made for quite a festive and fun evening for participants and parade viewers.

Holiday decorated boats pass under the Naples Causeway
during the 6th Annual Christmas in July Boat Parade on
Saturday, July 19.  PHOTO BY ED MERCER   

According to event organizer Joanne Jordan, there were 22 boats that registered to participate. The top three decorated boats received a private day with friends and family on Pine Island Retreat on Brandy Pond offered by Randy and Jamie-Lynn Bernard. The first-place winner also received a 4-person float from Sun Sports, and all top three winners received gift certificates from local restaurants.

This year’s first-place winner is a strong competitor who also won first place last year. Jenna and Jerred Newbegin live in Massachusetts but have family in Naples and enjoy the creativity of the event. This year their pontoon boat won by being transformed into the Polar Express, Jordan said.

Second place was won by Phil Audet of Naples with his Searay 40 adorned from bow to stern and a giant Santa climbing up the side.

Third place went to Aliiana Nielson of Harrison with her bowrider depicting a Hawaiian Santa.

The Naples Marine Safety Division and Naples Fire Department were on hand to assure the safety of the participants and the spectators. The Maine Warden Service was also on the water during the event.

The parade started on the west shore of Long Lake and proceeded to the Causeway and under the causeway bridge, following the East Shore of Brandy Pond.

The Christmas in July Boat Parade organizers concentrate the viewing on the causeway because it’s where many people can gather to view the parade and the majority of event sponsors exist.

“Some people who live along the parade route decorate their docks and cheer the parade on,” Jordan said. “There are always requests to be closer to shore or go farther to allow more people who live on the lake to be able to see the parade. There is a balance between safety and how late the participants and the safety departments should be on the water.”

On land, local businesses also supported Christmas in July.

Lakeside Dairy Bar won for the best dressed business with their Christmas decorations and snow maker.

Funds were raised for local charities through the Christmas in July Boat Parade event as well. Glow wands were handed out by volunteers to 400 spectators with a QR code to donate to Raise the Roof initiative looking to build a permanent community center for outreach services.

Parade viewers were also able to make donations for Naples Christmas4Kids in which the Community Resource Council of Naples provides each child with pajamas, socks, underwear, a new toy and a holiday meal for the family.

Some of the sponsors of the event agreed to raise funds for Naples Community Resource Council of Naples Christmas for Kids. Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern made an amazing effort encouraging staff and patrons to get involved and raised $1,470 for the cause.

“This event is unique for this area. There are other boat parades around the country, but the Naples Causeway provides a unique opportunity for this to happen in fresh water with a beautiful viewing area that allows the boats to get up close to the crowds when going under the causeway or visiting one of the waterfront businesses,” Jordan said. “The event is free for boaters to participate and free to watch. It creates a feeling of joy for both groups. We have been lucky to have talented music producers create a fun atmosphere for the crowd while waiting for the boats to arrive and when the boats reach the crowd, everyone is excited, and everyone feels like a kid at Christmas.” <