Photos by Steve Stefanides
The skies were clear and the waters calm for the Annual Marco Island Christmas Island Style Boat Parade last Saturday evening, as mariners steered their decorated crafts through the waterways around Marco Island to the delight of young and old alike.
“Each year we are registering boats right up to the final hour, and this year was no different,” said Gene Burson, who has coordinated the parade the last two years for Christmas Island Style. Burson credited the cooperation among all the agencies who helped keep the boaters safe, as well as the support from the participants. “This is truly a wonderful group of folks who thoroughly enjoy themselves each year, and the island really appreciates their efforts to put on a great show,” said Burson.
In the Category Of 28 Feet and Below the Following Vessels Received Special Recognition:
- Best Holiday Spirit / Not So Fast / Captain Matt Goetz
- Most Entertaining / Sweets / Captain Megan Milan
Most Creative / Boot Sea / Captain Dwight Stiehl/ Rose Marina
In the Category Of 29 Feet and Above the Following Vessels Received Special Recognition:
- Best Holiday Spirit / Paradise Cycle / Captain Michael Passero
- Most Entertaining / Papa’s Play Pen / Captain Bob Cholka
- Most Creative / Wet Bar / Captain Dave Richards
Best in Parade
- Euphoria / Captain Mike Rushalk
You may visit the CIS website to view photos and videos of the parade in the near future at www.christmasislandstyle.com.
Drive by Parade Event This Saturday December 19th
The final event of the 2020 Christmas Island Style series of events will be held on Saturday evening beginning at 6:30 pm. It will involve a drive-by of many of the floats which celebrate the Christmas Holiday Season.
In addition to over 20 stationary floats, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to wish young and old alike a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.
Attendees are asked to bring with them a nonperishable food item as a donation to the local food pantry to help those in need during this special season of hope and healing for our nation and those with special needs.
Marco Police will be helping to control traffic so to allow entrance into the display area only from West Elkcam Circle by driving past the Winn-Dixie and proceeding toward Park Avenue. Visitors will be directed into the display area and all participants will be required to stay within their vehicles as they traverse the display area and drop off donations for the Food Pantry.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet each vehicle as they pass through the area. Volunteers will be on hand to direct vehicles safely through the display area as they proceed to leave via Joy Circle. Under no circumstances are walkers or non-motor vehicle transportation allowed in the area for the safety of all. No parking will be allowed on either Park Avenue or Joy Circle and no pedestrian traffic is allowed within the vehicle procession area. Please do not enter the area except via your vehicle.
Attendees may tune into 98.1 FM on their vehicle radios to listen to Christmas Music and hear a live remote from the celebration area.
The CIS website at www.christmasislandstyle.com will be providing updates should any changes to the plan be incorporated in advance of the event itself.
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