Next weekend’s Parade of Lights mixing it up a bit

The 2023 Canyon Lake Parade of Lights next weekend is shaping up to be a memorable event, with new features enhancing the traditional festive atmosphere. The community is encouraged to participate actively and enjoy the parade, whether as part of it or as spectators, in this celebration of holiday spirit and community togetherness.

The Canyon Lake Yacht Club sponsored parade will take place Dec. 9 on the Main Lake. Boats line up at 5:00 p.m. and the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at East Port and travels through East Bay. It will pause at Holiday Harbor for an intermission to allow taller displays to trailer around the tunnel from East Port, before restarting about 7:30 p.m. The parade will continue for a slow lap around the Main Lake with side trips into Big Bass Cove and Catfish Cove, and a cruise by Happy Camp. All times are estimated.

During the intermission, Santa will arrive at Holiday Harbor Park to participate in festivities there until the parade restarts at 7:30 p.m. The boats will return to Holiday Harbor Park at 9:00 p.m. for continued festivities and the announcement of the People’s Choice Award. The event will end at 10:00 p.m.

There are changes for the boats participating in the parade.

“This is a much more organized parade this year to satisfy many of the concerns from previous parades,” Yacht Club Commodore Ron Wilbur said.

Friday Flyer File Photo

An important meeting for captains participating in the upcoming boat parade is scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Vice Commodore Rob Mora, located at 22309 Canyon Lake Dr. S. The meeting will cover parade details and assign positions for each boat in the lineup.

Those entering the parade will need to fill out an entry form available on the Canyon Lake POA website, canyonlakepoa.com/paradeoflights.

Adding excitement to this year’s event, the club has introduced two new awards – People’s Choice #1 and People’s Choice #2, which will be determined by online voting.

In a first for the parade, the event on East Bay will be live-streamed with live commentary, emulating the experience of nationally televised parades such as the Rose Parade.

Following the parade, there will be a boat viewing and awards after-party at Holiday Harbor. The event will feature free coffee, hot chocolate, chili, and hot dogs, courtesy of the Yacht Club, while supplies last.

This after-party offers a fantastic opportunity for attendees to see the parade boats up close, witness the awards ceremony, and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

Brian Oltman, one of the co-directors of the parade, is concerned about the safety of those watching the parade from their boats.

“There have been some near misses in previous parades,” he said. “We want everyone to be safe, so this year we’re asking parade-watchers that want to view the parade from their boat to stay in the entrance to coves, inside their dock or hug the shoreline. The parade route is dark and it’s very difficult for boat captains to see the path ahead.”