Island-style Christmas starts with boat parade on Saturday





STAFF PHOTO BY DAN PARKER Christmas is coming It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Port Aransas. Above, a city worker rigs a Christmas wreath to a power pole on Alister Street on Monday, Dec. 1. A boat parade on Saturday, a holiday forest, a Christmas lights contest and more mark Christmas on Mustang Island.

STAFF PHOTO BY DAN PARKER Christmas is coming It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Port Aransas. Above, a city worker rigs a Christmas wreath to a power pole on Alister Street on Monday, Dec. 1. A boat parade on Saturday, a holiday forest, a Christmas lights contest and more mark Christmas on Mustang Island.

The Port Aransas harbor will fill with holiday spirit, music and light displays this Saturday, Dec. 6. Residents and visitors will board boats to participate in the annual Carolers Afloat and Boat Lighting Contest and Parade.

The event is a unique way to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, island style. Just climb aboard the Scat Cat or Island Queen and join in the caroling.

Carolers are asked to be at Roberts Point Park (near the ferry landing) in the Fred Rhodes Memorial Pavilion by 6 p.m. Line up at the boat landing for tickets. There is no charge, but space is limited. Boats will depart promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Participants and spectators will be treated to tamales and hot cocoa upon their return to shore, as well as a visit from Santa.

The Boat Lighting Contest and Parade are a major part of the evening’s festivities. The Port Aransas Boatmen Inc. guarantees cash prizes courtesy of local businesses. Loan of a boat and captain for non-profit organizations interested in participating is also available.

Several categories are available for various boat sizes: non-profit, any size vessel; private vessel 30 feet or less; private vessel, 31 or more feet, and commercial vessel any size.

Cash prizes will be awarded in each category, $200 first place and $100 second place. A $200 “most original” award will be donated by the Port Aransas Chamber of CommerceTourist Bureau. Donors for first place prizes are the South Jetty newspaper, Island Dunes condominiums, Woody’s Sports Center and La Mirage condo- miniums. Donors for second place prizes are Linda and Charlie Zahn, Fisherman’s Wharf, Virginia’s on the Bay and Family Center IGA.

For an entry form or more information call the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau at (361) 749-5919 or toll-free at 800-45- COAST (26278).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.