Carolers Afloat and ‘Rudolph’ slated




The Christmas season in Port Aransas will get started with a bang on Dec. 4 and 5.

Rudolph, a presentation by the Children’s Express Theater in Houston, will kick off the season with a one-night-only performance on Friday, Dec. 4.

The annual Carolers Afloat and Lighted Boat Parade will follow on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Both events are sponsored by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau, and the Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc. are co-sponsors of the boat parade.

Boatloads of carolers will lead the lighted boat parade around the city marina, then return to the Roberts Point Park Fred Rhodes Memorial Pavilion where Santa Claus will hear the Christmas wishes of island children.

Boat owners and captains may enter the boat lighting contest by calling the chamber at 749-5919 or going by the chamber office, 421 W. Cotter Ave.

A limited number of seats are available on the Carolers Afloat boats, so those who want to join the carolers on the boats leading the parade — especially children — should go to the pavilion and pick up numbered cards shortly before 6 p.m.

Santa Claus and his “elves”, aboard a Coast Guard boat, will bring up the rear of the parade, then dock at the pavilion to hear the Christmas wishes of the island children beginning right after the parade, at about 7:30 p.m.

Student groups, church groups, nonprofit groups and private boat owners are invited to light up a boat and join the parade.

Cash prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to the best-decorated boats.

First and second place will be awarded for most original of all entries; non-profit organization, any size vessel category; private vessel, 30 feet or less in length; private vessel, 31 feet or more in length; and commercial vessel of any length.

Boats may only enter one classification, which must be designated at the time of entry. A boat may not win both first and second place; however, a boat may win a first or second place and the most original award.

Parade spectators may line the waterfront along the marina or get a “ringside” seat at one of the waterfront restaurants.


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