Readers RESPOND -- Should anyone tinker with Christmas Boat Parade?

Not only should they cut down the boat parade route, but why does it

have to be a whole week?

It’s like a week from hell for those of us that have to fight boat

parade traffic coming home from work. As a resident, every year I dread

the week of the boat parade.

LINDA REED

Newport Beach

Having been involved in the parades in the mid to late 1960s, I know

how difficult committing to the full week can be and shortening the

parade route might attract more interest from the current participants

and possibly add additional participants so why not give it a try?

KIRK S. ELLIOTT

Newport Coast

Each year, toward the end of the week, the boat parade participants

dwindle in numbers. Rather than curtail the route, I would suggest that

the parade be held each year starting Dec. 18, and ending Dec. 22 for a

total of five nights, rather than seven.

If the dates don’t coincide with a weekend, I suggest adjusting the

dates since it’s important to hold it over a weekend. This way, the boat

owners hopefully won’t get burned out from having to be in the parade

every night for seven nights.

PETE RABBITT

Newport Beach

Why fix it if it ain’t broke?

DIANE CARSON

Corona del Mar

I have two recommendations in regard to the boat parade:

1. Hold the parade for four days only

2. If the duration of the parade is to remain the same, use alternate

routes on alternate days so that everyone now viewing the parade can

continue to do so. The schedule of routes can be published in the

newspaper prior to and during the parade.

NANCY DONAHUE

Newport Beach