All aboard for Parade of Lights

The highly anticipated annual Parade of Lights will be held this Saturday, Dec. 14, at 5:30 p.m. 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 thousands of spectators watching the parade from waterfront parks and homes.

The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Eastport launch ramp. Line-up for pre-registered and last-minute entries is at 4:30 p.m.

The Yacht Club’s iconic 60-foot “Fire-Breathing Green Dragon” will lead the procession down the East Bay. From there, the boats will travel counter-clockwise around the main lake, dipping into Catfish Cove and Bass Cove, and past Happy Camp before arriving at the final destination at the Holiday Harbor Park docks.

Residents are invited to Holiday Harbor Park to see the boats close up and visit with Santa, who will be passing out candy canes. Cookies courtesy of the POA and coffee courtesy of the Yacht Club will be served. The iVibe truck will be on-site offering coffee and other beverages for purchase.

The Yacht Club will be delivering parade entry numbers today and Saturday morning to participants who pre-registered.

Last-minute entrants are welcome and can register on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Eastport launch ramp. The registration form can be found at canyonlakeyachtclub.com. There is no entry fee. Non-registered boats are not eligible for awards.

All parade entrants will receive a dash plate. The first, second and third place winners in each category will receive a cash prize and a personalized plaque. The cash prize for the Commodore award is $500.

Yacht Club volunteers will be judging the boats from a dock on Point Marina Drive on the East Bay. Awards will be presented at the end of the parade at Holiday Harbor Park.