DECK THE HULLS!

The holiday season in Key West is decidedly different than it is in northern climes.  Take for example the Schooner Wharf Bar 33rd Annual Lighted Boat Parade — set to sail into our southernmost city’s Key West Bight and Harbor on Saturday, December 14th at 8:00 pm.  For Key West and the Florida Keys, it’s a tropical tribute to the season and a big family affair. Parade participants and spectators on the docks watching the parade join in celebrating the holiday spirit.

The Bahama Village Music Program House of Pan Steel Drum Band kicks off the festivities at 6:00 p.m. with a set of holiday tunes and calypso on stage at Schooner Wharf, followed by the best music our island has to offer with CC and the Sunsetters playing current and classic hits and holiday favorites.

The real stars of this parade however are the boats. Dozens of delightfully decorated motor and sailing vessels compete for bragging rights and over $40,000prizes! The prizes are guaranteed to bring out the creative side of our local seafarers to reach their artistic peaks. Long hours go into crafting inventive designs and stringing garlands and icicle lights from bow to stern. Each boat that entry will receive a prize package.

Past entries have ranged from a kayak with battery-powered lights, to fishing vessels, to classic schooners and yachts. Winners have included dolphins jumping in and out of the water, as well as manatees, pelicans, sea horses, and other island creatures. There have been dancing candy canes on deck, angels and reindeer on the bow as well as messages of Peace on Earth and Support our Troops. Look for palm trees-not spruce, fir, or pine- aboard these holiday “floats”.  And don’t forget the conch shells; this is the Conch Republic after all!

Children will delight in the chance to catch candy and beads thrown to spectators from ships’ decks, while viewers of all ages will admire the creativity of light displays and cheer for their favorite vessels. Entries parade into the Key West Bight and in front of Schooner Wharf Bar where hot apple jack, eggnog and other seasonal libations are available to toast the holidays. The boats continue showing their colors all along the harbor, and many return to the Schooner Wharf docks and remain lit throughout the evening for everyone to admire.

A starry night, a festive crowd, and thousands of twinkling lights climbing heavenward from the sea—that’s Key West’s way of saying “Happy Holidays!” So join in spreading the spirit where mistletoe hangs from the mast and strings of lights adorn the riggings: at the 33rd Annual Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley Lighted Boat Parade.

The captains’ meeting is Thursday, Dec. 12th at 8 p.m. at Schooner Wharf. For more info, please contact Schooner Wharf Bar at (305) 292-9520 or visit Schoonerwharf.com.

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