STAFF PHOTO BY DAN PARKER Santa Claus appears to be in good spirits as he arrives at the Fred Rhodes Pavilion at the conclusion of the Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. The jolly old gentleman was assisted by his elves, also on the board the U.S. Coast Guard cutter, on loan from Coast Guard Station Port Aransas for the event. By day, Santa’s elves are Port Aransas High School cheerleaders. The parade and Carolers Afloat, which treats carolers to boat rides on the Island Queen out of Woody’s Sports Center and the Wharf Cat out of Fisherman’s Wharf, is an annual celebration of Christmas -- island style -- in Port Aransas. It is sponsored by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau and the Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc. For more photos and results of the boat contest, turn to Page 1B.