Palm Coast’s 42nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade is set for this Saturday, December 13th. The City of Palm Coast announced the route, viewing details, and schedule for the event on Monday.
In the wake of the cancellation of Palm Coast’s Starlight Parade on Saturday, residents are no doubt skeptical of whether the Boat Parade will carry on if there’s rain in the area. According to the city’s announcement, the event is to be held rain or shine. The only circumstances that would lead to a cancellation would be ‘severe weather or lightning in the area’.
The parade is slated to begin at 6:00 pm on Saturday. The parade will launch from the Cochise Waterway/North Cut and begin moving south on the Matanzas River. Participating boats will turn around at the Grand Haven Gazebo in order to make their way back north up the river.
How to Watch
A number of viewing locations will be available for residents to take in the brightly decorated boats participating in the parade. Viewing areas include Waterfront Park, the St. Joe Walkway, and Canopy Walk. As these areas can be difficult to access during popular events, a shuttle service will be made available.
Those looking to use the shuttle service should park at either European Village or the Daytona State College Palm Coast campus. Shuttles will run from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. They will be free of charge, provided by the city government. Parking at Waterfront Park is expected to be quite limited.
For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the parade will be made available at the City of Palm Coast’s official YouTube channel.
Features and Attractions
There have been 46 boats registered for the parade as of Monday. They’ll each be decorated in a festive display of colorful lights and props to celebrate the holiday season. Several awards will be given out, including Best Theme, Brightest/Most Colorful, Most Creative, and Most Spirited Crew. Judging will be conducted during the parade with winners announced afterward.
Portable bathrooms will be present at the St. Joe Walkway trailhead parking area and at Waterfront. There will be t-shirts sold at the event by the Palm Coast Historical Society, which the city government says will “support their ongoing work in preserving community history”.
In order to ensure safety, the parade will be staffed by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Flagler County Fire Rescue, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission.
Schedule
The schedule of events is as follows, according to the City of Palm Coast.
- 4:00 pm – Shuttle Service Begins
- 5:00 pm – Boat Staging
- 6:00 pm – Parade Begins
- 8:00 pm – Event Ends
- 9:00 pm – Shuttles Conclude
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
