Parade of Lights takes to lake tomorrow

Canyon Lake’s surface will be a mass of colorful reflections as a Parade of Lights flotilla of festive boats cruises in formation around the Main Lake tomorrow (Saturday) night beginning at 5:30 p.m. Members of the community can view the spectacular parade along the shorelines and in parks. The parade will not enter coves.

Canyon Lake’s annual Parade of Lights holiday boat parade has been a symbol of community holiday spirit for 38 years. The parade is sponsored by the Canyon Lake Yacht Club, which will be handing out awards to the top boats.

Canyon Lake boats from throughout the community will show off their holiday spirit with festive lights and colorful displays, Rich Moline, the club’s Commodore, said.

The time-honored tradition in Canyon Lake features a parade of holiday-decorated boats that tour the lake after the sun goes down with lights reflecting off the lake’s surface. Canyon Lakers crowd the shoreline to view the annual event.

Boats will line up at the Eastport Park boat launch area at 4:30 p.m. and the parade will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Participants will cruise around the lake with the Yacht Club’s infamous Green Dragon leading the way while thousands watch from the shoreline. As in previous years, parade boats will not be going into coves, so best viewing sites will be along the East Channel and at various parks and waterfront homes on the Main Lake.

Those boats in the parade will vie for awards given in a variety of categories, Rich said. The award winners will be announced the following week, and the Yacht Club will host a party in January for all the winners.