All aboard for the Canyon Lake Parade of Lights!

Many waterfront homeowners plan parties around the Parade of Lights, a festive event that is only a week away on December 12. But for the truly adventurous, the real fun is having your party on a boat, traveling through the waterways of Canyon Lake amongst the twinkling lights reflecting on the water and waving at the crowds of shore bound party-goers.

For those who have not pre-registered, it is not too late to be a part of the parade and have one’s boat judged. Parade Chair Bob Templeton is accepting registration forms at 23873 Fair Weather Dr. or via email at rmtempl @attglobal.net.

Parade information and entry forms can found on the Yacht Club’s website, www.clyc2014.webs.com. The Yacht Club would appreciate receiving registrations by 5 p.m. Friday, December 11, in order for boats to be placed on the official list for judging for a possible award.

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

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club will recognize all registered boats this year by presenting a “dash plate” award commemorating participation in the 2015 Parade of Lights. This 2-in. by 4-in. plate can be mounted on the boat dashboard.

Last minute entrants can sign up at the East Port launch ramp and fill out a registration form at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the parade. Those who are really late can join the parade by 5:15 or along the route and have some fun. Boats that do not go through the registration process will not be eligible for judging and prizes, but are welcome to participate. Club and group floats are encouraged and welcomed.

Viewing the Parade

For those not watching from waterfront parties, any of the parks in the East Bay will be good viewing points, as will the Lodge and Sunset Beach, Moonstone Beach, the Campground and Holiday Harbor.

The route of the parade will zigzag from one side of the East Bay to the other as the parade passes the judges stand and proceeds towards the Main Causeway. After going through the tunnel, the parade will cruise along the eastern shoreline, past the Lodge down the eastern side of the Main Lake. It will duck briefly into Big Bass Cove, then proceed to the north end of the lake.

From that point, the boats will cruise down the western side of lake and into Catfish Cove, then past the Campground and ultimately finish up at the Holiday Harbor docks.

There, those who hope for a prize are invited to disembark and head up to the pavilion for refreshments and to hear the announcement of awards.