Parade of Lights is just one week away!

The anticipated annual Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 10. It’s difficult to say who has more fun during this event – the residents who decorate their boats and participate in the parade or the hundreds of people who line the parade route at the parks and waterfront home parties.

The parade is hosted by the Yacht Club and led by  the “Fire Breathing Green Dragon,” a float made many years ago by members of the club.

The parade begins at the East Port boat launch ramp at 5 p.m. From there, the boats will cruise the East Bay and around the Main Lake as they make their way to Holiday Harbor Park where the Yacht Club will announce the winners and serve hot chocolate, coffee and cookies.

For those who have already signed up to be in the parade, the parade entry number will be delivered to their home prior to the parade, or it can be picked up at the East Port launch ramp by 4:30 p.m. on the day of the parade.

The Yacht Club will recognize all registered boats this year with a “Dash Plate” award commemorating participation in the 2016 Parade of Lights. The plate can be mounted to the dashboard of the boat.

For those who have not pre-registered, it is not too late to enter and have your boat judged. Parade Chairperson Jim Lange is accepting registration forms at 30400 Harbor Circle or by email at langejh@aim.com.

Parade information and entry forms can be found on the Yacht Club’s website at www.clyc2014.webs.com. Registration forms should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 9, in order for boats to be placed on the official list for judging for a possible award.

For those who need additional motivation to get started on their floats, the Yacht Club would like to remind potential participants that there are cash prizes and plaques for the winning floats. Sweepstakes: (Best Overall) $125 cash, plus plaque and perpetual trophy on display at POA office.

Commodore’s Award: (Highest score) $100 cash, plus plaque and perpetual trophy on display at the POA office.

Best Pontoon: $100 1st, $50 2nd, $25 3rd

Best Ski: $100 1st, $50 2nd, $25 3rd

Club/Civic: $100 1st, $50 2nd, $25 3rd

A spokesperson for the Yacht Club says, “Remember that your boat does not need to be the fancy-looking float that you see in the Rose Parade. It just needs to be decorated with lights. If you have ever been to any of the boat parades in Newport Beach, you know that many of the boats are just decorated with lights and are not trying to have a theme. The same applies to our parade. Just decorate your boat with lights and join in the fun of the evening.”

Last-minute entries can sign up on the day of the parade at the East Port launch ramp at 4:30 p.m. Boats that do not go through the registration process will not be eligible for judging and prizes, but are still welcome to participate. Club and group floats are encouraged to participate. For more information, contact Jim Lange at 951-723-2441 or langejh@aim.com.