Spreading cheer Participants in last year's Lighted Boat Parade greet the crowd. Sign up for the annual Lighted Boat Parade is slow, according to Kim Morris, the new executive assistant at the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce- Tourist Bureau.

This is the first boat lighting for Morris, who at press time was walking the streets, offering to fill in forms for any boaters willing to participate in the parade to be held Saturday, Dec. 9.

"I've been told sign up is usually slow with a big rush just before the event, so I'm trying not to worry," she said.

Morris is pleading for participation as the turnout of people to watch looks to be good.

"I want it to be worth their time," Morris said of attendees. "The time to sign up is now. We are paying cash money for first and second place," she said.

Entries will be accepted through noon Saturday, Dec. 9. Boats of every shape and size are invited to enter. En- tering is free and only requires a phone call to the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau, (361) 749- 5919 or 1-800-45COAST (26278).

Winning, however, comes with cash prizes of $200 for first place and $100 for second place.

Sail away Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department director Gary Mysorski, in water, give tips on sailing to Carol Kish, in boat, and Michell Rusk, both of Port Aransas, standing, listens. Carol Welldone of Chicago sails away in the background. Sailing lessons were offered at the community park swimming pool Tuesday, Dec. 5. Carolers Afloat -- two boatloads of people singing Christmas carols -- will lead the parade sponsored by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce- Tourist Bureau and the Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc.

The evening will get under way as those who want to board the Wharf Cat and Island Queen II to sing Christmas carols meet at Roberts Point Park at 6 p.m. Space is limited on the boats, so carolers will be given numbers to board on a first come, first serve basis. Once out of numbers, no additional carolers will be allowed on board. An adult must accompany children.

The carolers will lead the lighted boats around the city marina starting at 6:30 p.m. After circling the marina, they'll return to the park where Santa Claus and his elves will be ready to listen to the Christmas wishes of island children.

Prizes will be awarded for nonprofit sponsored boats of any size, private boats 30-feet and under, private boats 31-feet and over, commercial boats of any length, and the most original overall.

Boats may enter only one category (excluding the most original in which all boats are automatically entered).

An added bonus for boaters is a $50 prize being offered in the Port Aransas Garden Club's Christmas Lights Contest (see story).

Student groups, nonprofit groups, individuals and businesses are invited to decorate a boat and celebrate Christmas, island style.