Five-year-old Ella Currle, left, of Port Aransas, and Allison Long, 7, of Corpus Christi, above left, confer with Santa Claus about the upcoming Christmas holiday. Arriving via U.S. Coast Guard vessel, Santa was one of the attractions at the Carolers Afloat and Lighted Boat Parade at Dennis Dreyer Municipal Harbor Dec. 3. Dozens of children got visits with St. Nick after boats decorated for the holiday season, above right, paraded around the harbor, competing for cash prizes. See results and more photos on Page 1B.

STAFF PHOTOS BY DAN PARKER