The Tribune

PLANS for the third annual Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 15, are well under way.

Two-time defending champions On the Edge, skippered by Lansan Munroe, say they are set for “three-straight.”

To provide a wider viewing vista and accommodate the largest number of patrons, the parade will begin in the bay at Arawak Cay.

The event has proven to be popular with residents and visitors alike, who came out in their thousands to view the spectacle.

The event will kick-off with a blessing of the flotilla at 6pm and a fireworks display, courtesy of Fireworks Unlimited, at 6.30pm.

Then, the colourful flotilla will proceed due east hugging the north coast of Nassau (water depth permitting), and turn around at Montagu Bay.

Festival organisers are teaming up with Frankie Gone Bananas and recreating a Christmas Village Grandstand at the Arawak Cay site for sponsors and paying guests who would wish to enjoy prime viewing on bleacher seats with festive food, holiday drinks and Santa, in a party atmosphere.

The mail-boats are being encouraged to participate this year. It is hoped they will step up and decorate their decks with bright lights and Christmas music and create a festive spectacle at Potter’s Cay.

There will be lots of viewing stations along the way where the public can gather.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves, and we encourage everyone to come out. This is wholesome family entertainment at its best,” said Sir Durward Knowles, grand marshall of the parade.

Coastal restaurants including Frankie Gone Bananas, Senor Frogs and Green Parrot are partnering with the parade to host viewing parties.

All boaters are encouraged to participate and “bling out” their vessels with lights and music.

The boat registration fee is $50 for a private craft and $75 for a pleasure craft. Commercial boats with signs promoting their business must pay $150, while charter boats charging for seats must pay $500.

Registration forms and the rules and regulations can be downloaded from the Festival of Lights Bahamas Facebook page.