There is nothing better than a parade during the holiday season. Wait, maybe there is! It’s a boat parade!
On December 11th, the 30th Annual Destin Harbor Boat Parade will set sail. This yearly celebration of the holiday season is a remarkable sight, with local boats coming together to light up the entire Destin Harbor. The festivities will begin in the afternoon all along the harbor with boats lining up in the harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. The lighted boat parade will roll out at 6 p.m. Judging of the boats will take place at Margaritaville with an awards presentation and a fireworks display set to light up the sky. The parade can be viewed from the docks and restaurants west of the Grand Harbor condominium on Destin harbor.
The boat parade is open to all commercial, charter and private vessels. Entry forms can be picked up at the museum, Destin Community Center, City Hall, Destin Chamber of Commerce, or many of the businesses along the harbor.
Entry fee is $25 per boat.
There will be awards in 10 categories: private boat 30 feet and under, private 31 feet and over, charter/commercial boat 30 feet and under, charter/commercial boat 31 feet and over, tour boat/motorized 50 feet and under, tour boat/motorized 50 feet and over, sailboat 30 feet and under, and sailboat 31 feet and over.
An additional award will go to the best overall boat entry.
The city of Destin is sponsoring an award to the boat that best highlights the harbor heritage.
In case of bad weather, the event will be held the following Sunday, Dec. 18.
For more information, call the museum at 837-6611 or email kathydestinhistory@gmail.com