32nd Annual BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade

The 32st Annual BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade may have been small, but we were mighty! The cold and wind didn't stop the parade from spreading holiday cheer to the surrounding communities. They could not and would not be disappointed. After all, we are "Sailors." Unfortunately the wind direction was such that the trip across to Isla Del Sol was eliminated.  Harbormaster Richie Flower was very understanding and looks forward to sponsoring the parade again next year. Participants, volunteers, our sponsors and the generous donations to Operation Santa all made up for the lack of warmth that night.  The lighted decorations and enthusiasm flowed onto shore from each passing boat as evidenced by the applause from the crowds. 

As always, thank you to our "Elves": Lee Nell, Juli Jacoby, Ann New, Carroll Risk, Dick Risk, Cathy Talisman, Melissa McCue, Russ Matter, and Mike Mogavero.  Kudos to the wonderful members who stepped up and served food and helped with the post-party clean up. I had to work unexpectedly the day before and truly appreciated  Paul, Lee and Jen setting up the room and cleaning on Friday. The parade requires a lot of last minute details and that is when volunteers make a big difference, bless you everyone!

No Parade party would be complete without Guy O'Connor's rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas BCYC style.  Miss Claus, Karen Wacker accompanied Guy again this year and included my favorite "Santa Baby." Captain "Santa" Sandbar joined in on the fun helping sing Adam Sandler's Hanukah Song.

This year 86 sponsor letters were mailed, and in return over $5,000 worth of donated prizes were awarded to participants.  What a privilege it was to hand out gift bags to all the boat skippers!

Gulfport Police Department's Cynthia Hayes collected 6 overflowing boxes of toys for Operation Santa.  We managed to fit it all in her truck, but it was close!  Thank you to those who made donations for older youth.  Operation Santa has needed additional help with this demographic in the past.

Back for his 16th year, Sergeant Burkhart led the parade, accompanied by Debbie Wolfe, a reporter for The Gabber.  There was a rumor that Robbie Lee ran aground and had to be assisted by Tow Boat US.  Jimmy declared that this was "fake news" and that he had simply parked the boat so he could go below and mix a drink.

Our new Fleet Captain James Masson did an outstanding job fielding the docking challenges, not always an easy feat to accomplish.

Our 2017 judges, Commodore Lee Nell, Russ Matter and Mike Mogavero made the difficult task of selecting the winners look so easy, but then everyone was a winner!  The boat numbers showed up well, something to be repeated next year, thanks Russ.

Thank you to our 2017 Boat Parade Sponsors for putting a little Joy in our Stockings