Parade of Lights thrills big crowd

The Canyon Lake community was treated to a spectacular display of creativity and holiday spirit at the annual Parade of Lights Saturday. The 41st annual event, organized by the Canyon Lake Yacht Club, included 17 boats, along with a few additional participants, lighting up the lake with their brilliantly-decorated floats.

This year‘s parade was distinguished by its complete cruising around the entire Main Lake, including visits to Big Bass Cove and Catfish Cove, and a close cruise by Happy Camp, before returning to Holiday Harbor for the post-parade celebration. The event was live-streamed from Art Femister’s waterfront home, which also served as the judging station.

Vice Commodore Rob Mora and Brian Oltman, parade organizers, introduced several new elements to enhance this year’s Parade of Lights  experience. The newly-built guest docks at Holiday Harbor served as an intermission spot for the parade, accommodating boats that could pass through the tunnel and allowing for taller boats to rejoin the parade after trailing their boats from East Bay to East Port.

Photo by Marissa Charest

The intermission at Holiday Harbor turned into a festive congregation point, where attendees could admire the floats up close. Children and adults alike enjoyed the interactive displays, including the choo choo train’s horn and boarding various boats.

After the trailered boats rejoined at Holiday Harbor, the parade continued along the Main Lake route, receiving cheers from waterfront homes. The Marine Patrol, led by Captain Dave Martilla, provided escort and safety services throughout the event.

From 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Yacht Club hosted festivities at Holiday Harbor Park, offering free food and drinks. Santa Claus was also available for photos.

The awards ceremony at Holiday Harbor Park recognized various entries for their creativity and effort. Winners were Commodore’s Award – “A Christmas Story” Leg Lamp, Dave and Holly Durston; People’s Choice #1 – Best Pontoon: “Santa‘s Jaws is Coming to Town” – Blue Shark, Greg and Karen Cassidy; People’s Choice #2 – Best Ski Boat: “Santa‘s Seahorse Sleigh” – Michelle Hunter; Best New Entry – “Santa‘s Bath Time” – Rubber Duck w/Bubbles, Paul Klobetanz and Tracy Watkins; Best Traditional Theme – “Oh Christmas Tree” Christmas Tree, Earl and Sandy Rehder; Most Creative – “Canyon Lake Express” Choo Choo Train, Brian Oltman and Doug Semer; and Best Use of Lights – “Gum Drop Good” Gingerbread House, Rob Mora and Lainie Cooney.

Two award-winning boats, the Gingerbread House and the Choo Choo Train, will be on display until tomorrow and are tied up at a dock on the Main Lake side of the causeway tunnel.

Gum Drop Good Gingerbread House by Rob Mora and Lainey Cooney lit up the lake. Photo By Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Following the resounding success of the 2023 Parade of Lights, Commodore Ron Wilbur extended heartfelt congratulations to the Canyon Lake Yacht Club and its members for their exceptional efforts. In his remarks, Wilbur highlighted the dedication and vision of Rob Mora and Brian Oltman, who spent months organizing the event.

“Rob and Brian worked for months to put this event together,” Ron said. “The great success of tonight’s parade is a tribute to their hard work and vision. We’re delighted that Rob will be our club commodore for 2024.”

Ron also extended special thanks to the boat owners and decorators, whose creativity and ingenuity transformed their boats into mesmerizing, floating displays that captivated the community.

Larry Garland, a member of the Yacht Club, received particular praise for setting up and managing the lights and sound entertainment, the night before he performed at the Canyon Lake Choraleers “A Reel Christmas” concert.

Canyon Lake Express Choo Choo Train was an entry by Brian Oltman and Doug Semer. Photo By Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Wilbur acknowledged the hard work of many Yacht Club volunteers who were instrumental in serving food and drinks, managing the event, filming the live stream, organizing the parade, and ensuring its smooth execution. He also expressed gratitude to the 14 sponsors whose generous donations made the event possible.

“Many other Yacht Club volunteers worked hard to serve food and drinks, help manage the event, film the livestreaming, organize the actual parade on the water, and make everything come off so well,” Ron said. “And gratitude goes out to the 14 sponsors that donated generously so we could produce an event of this scope.”

Ron also recognized the collective effort of all those involved, underscoring that the event‘s success was a direct result of their tireless work and commitment. The Parade of Lights, under the auspices of the Canyon Lake Yacht Club, has once again proven to be a highlight of Canyon Lake‘s holiday celebrations, showcasing the spirit of teamwork and community engagement.

Disney Dreams was created by Matt and Tricia Rugh. Photo provided by Canyon Lake yacht club