Forget the sleigh, Christmas arrives on Island by boat

Photo by Steve Stefanides

2007 Christmas Island Style Boat Parade contestant cruises along Marco waters. The 2008 parade is 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 and begins at the Marco Island Yacht Club cruising down the Marco River. Submitted Steve Stefanides

MARCO ISLAND — After coming off a successful street parade last Saturday evening, Christmas Island Style takes to the waters surrounding Marco Island at 6 p.m. Saturday for its 21st annual boat parade. The parade, which will glide along the shores of Marco, will start at the Marco Island Yacht Club and proceed along the shores of the Marco River and into Factory Bay and along in front of Pier 81.

The judging stands at the ever popular Snook Inn, the host to judges for as long as CIS Chairman Steve Stefanides can remember.

“We are all excited this year as Christmas Island Style is offering a $250 first prize award. It’s a first for us and we encourage all boaters to come out and have a great time” said Stefanides

The parade will then proceed into Collier Bay where it will make its journey to Smokehouse Bay and the crowds at CJ’s on the Bay at the Esplanade. CJ’s on the Bay will be hosting a “People’s Choice Award” which will be determined by who pleases the crowd there the most according to boat parade coordinators Paul Freeman and Cindy McCue.

“It’s our first time hosting something here,” commented McCue.

“We are really looking for a great crowd as we’ll have Santa and specials offered by CJ’s,” said Freeman.

The parade will then leave Smokehouse Bay and proceed around Collier Bay and pass across the Marco River to entertain the folks on the Isles of Capri side of the Marco River. It will then disperse after they run back up the river to Factory Bay.

Last minute entries can be made by contacting Steve Stefanides 250-8348 or sending an e-mail to christmasislandstyle@comcast.net.