Don’t miss parades this weekend!

BY

Two of Canyon Lake’s much anticipated holiday events are happening this weekend: Parade of Lights and Golf Cart Parade. Lighted boats will cruise the waterways on Saturday for the Yacht Club’s Parade of Lights and golf carts will cruise the streets on Sunday for the Street Carts of Canyon Lake Golf Cart Parade and Toy Drive. It’s difficult to say who has more fun during these events – the parade participants or the thousands of spectators who gather on the streets, at parks and waterfront homes to watch and enjoy these two holiday events.

The Parade of Lights line up starts on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the East Port launch ramp. The Yacht Club’s iconic fire-spitting “Green Dragon” will lead the parade through the East Bay starting at 5:30 p.m. After zig-zagging through the East Bay, boats will enter the tunnel and travel around the main lake, ending at Holiday Harbor Park where Santa will greet visitors and awards will be presented. The Yacht Club invites the community to visit with Santa and view the boats up-close at the end of the parade at Holiday Harbor Park.

Those who wish to participate in the parade but did not register can still join in on the fun. Last-minute entries will be accepted on the day of the parade at 4:30 p.m. at the East Port launch ramp. There is no entry fee; however, participants who do not submit an entry form will not be eligible for judging and prizes.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated boats in various categories. One boat will be chosen to receive the Commodore’s Award. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in the categories of Best Pontoon, Best Ski Boat and Club/Civic categories. There are two new awards up for grabs this year for first-time entries and those who have not entered the parade in the past three years.

For more information, contact Commodore Dave Dain at ddain297@gmail.com.

Golf Cart Parade

Whimsically decorated golf carts will be cruising Canyon Lake Drive on Sunday for the 8th annual Golf Cart Parade and Toy Drive. This event is hosted by the Street Carts of Canyon Lake. Residents who own golf carts are encouraged to decorate their carts with lights and join in on the fun. The entry fee is one unwrapped toy.

Registration and line-up start at 4:30 p.m. on Blue Bird Dr. At 5:30 p.m., Santa in his sleigh cart will lead the procession down Canyon Lake Drive to East Port Park where the toys will be collected and trophies awarded for best-decorated golf carts in various categories. There also will be holiday music and a taco truck.

Spectators are invited to line the parade route and cheer on the golf carts as they pass by and view the carts up-close at the end of the parade at East Port Park.

The POA will be closing off street parking for the parade this year from 4 to 7 p.m. on the east side of Canyon Lake Drive from Blue Bird Drive to East Port Park.

For safety reasons, the POA is asking participants to not throw candy to spectators this year. Those who wish to pass out candy can do so at the end of the parade at East Port Park

The annual Golf Cart Parade and Toy Drive started in 2011 with approximately 20 golf carts. Since then, the event has grown to more than 100 golf carts, prompting the POA to implement a few new rules. They are as follows:

Registration: Participating golf carts must be registered with the POA and have a decal on cart. Participants must also register for the parade and sign a waiver form. The forms are available at the POA office and will be available at check-in on Blue Bird Drive on the evening of the parade.

Parade Route: Carts must stay on the parade route and in the assigned order at all times. Passing other golf carts is not permitted. Headlights will be required to be on at all times during the parade. All participants must ride in a golf cart, no walking participation allowed.

Alcohol: No alcohol or drugs will be permitted in assembly or along the parade route. No one will be permitted to enter the parade route under the influence of any substance.

Candy: Tossing candy to spectators is no longer permitted. Those who wish to pass out candy may do so at the end of the parade at East Port Park.

For more information about the Golf Cart Parade, contact Street Carts of Canyon Lake President Mike Shroyer at 951-244-6461.