Perch Kai Kidd, 4, watched from dad Des's shoulders. SOUTH JETTY REPORTER

Viewers outnumbered boaters handily, but the enthusiasm was high on both sides of the bulkhead as Port Aransasannual lighted boat parade kicked off the Christmas season in the municipal marina at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Santa Claus, aboard a U.S. Coast Guard 41-foot utility boat and escorted by Port Aransas High School cheerleaders, led the parade. Carolers Afloat – two boatloads of people singing Christmas carols – followed aboard the Scat Cat and the Island Queen II.

Jackie Gaskill paddled away with the award for the most original vessel as well as second place in the small private vessel category. Gaskill skittered about the marina in a lighted kayak. The awards were worth a total of $300 to Gaskill -- $200 for the most original award and $100 for the private vessel second place. Fisherman's Wharf sponsored the private vessel award, and the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce sponsored the prize for the most original vessel.

The Scat Cat won in the commercial vessel category, with the award sponsored by Port Aransas Realty. Island Queen II came in second, winning the prize offered by the Family Center IGA.

Commercial winner STAFF PHOTOS BY MURRAY JUDSON AND PHIL REYNOLDS Scat Cat, out of Fisherman's Wharf, leaned on red and green lighting to take the commercial vessel award. Paige Magic, owned by Alex Porter, took the small private vessel prize, sponsored by Island Dunes.

In the large private vessel category, Susie, owned by George Campbell, rocked her way into the judges' hearts. The vessel featured a red-clad crew of Santa, Mrs. Santa and elves dancing on the top deck. The prize was sponsored by Woody's Sports Center.

Second place, sponsored by Virginia's on the Bay, went to Orion, owned by Michael Miglini.

The Coast Guard's boat, flashing its blue law enforcement light, took the non-profit prize sponsored by the South Jetty newspaper.

After the parade, boaters and spectators – including the crew from the Susie – gathered at Fred Rhodes Pavilion while Santa Claus listened intently to the wishes of more than 50 youngsters who waited their turn to climb onto the stage and then onto his lap.

Stars Second-place large private vessel was Orion. Each child received a candy cane and a promise from Santa to do his best to fulfill the wishes.
                                The winners
                                Commercial vessel
1. Scat Cat (Fisherman's Wharf) Sponsor: Port Aransas Realty
2. Island Queen (Billy Gaskins) Sponsor: Family Center IGA
                        Private vessel 30 ft. or less Ho ho ho U.S. Coast Guard 41-foot utility boat led the parade with Santa and cheerleaders, and won the non-profit prize.
1. Paige Magic (Alex Porter) Sponsor: Island Dunes
2. The Grinch (Jackie Gaskill) Sponsor: Fisherman's Wharf
                          Private vessel over 30 ft.
1. Susie (George Campbell) Sponsor: Woody's Sports Center
2. Orion (Michael Miglini) Sponsor: Virginia's on the Bay
                                        Non-Profit
1. U.S. Coast Guard #41417 Sponsor: South Jetty
                                      Most original Grinch Kayak paddled by Jackie Gaskill took second place for small private vessels and was named the most original entry.
1. The Grinch (Jackie Gaskill) Sponsor: Port Aransas Chamber

Rockin' Susie took first place in large private vessels. Queen of the night Island Queen II won second place in commercial vessels. Bear boat STAFF PHOTO BY MURRAY JUDSON Paige Magic, owned by Alex Porter, above, won first place in the small private vessel category, sporting a polar bear on the bow. Below, Santa and his helpers rocked away on the top deck of the Susie. STAFF PHOTO BY PHIL REYNOLDS