READERS RESPOND -- Keep the boats afloat and the route intact

Although I understand the reasoning behind the boat parade route

changes, I think it’s unfair that only a few select areas will be

penalized (“Changes afloat for boat parade,” Sept. 1). I think using two

different parade routes on alternating nights, with routes published in

advance, would be a more equitable solution. I also wonder if any of the

Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce members responsible for this

decision live (as I do) on a section of the parade route to be

eliminated. I sincerely hope that additional thought will be put into a

more fair alternative before next year’s parade.

MARGARET SPRING-WOJDYNSKI

Lido Peninsula

I feel that whatever changes the chamber of commerce makes on the boat

parade are because they know it’s the way to keep it afloat. It has been

such a wonderful tradition. I personally feel that whatever the chamber

changes will benefit us all in the long run. I know a few places feel

left out, but that’s not the point. We need to pay for it. The New York

Times calls it one of the 10 best holiday events in the United States.

Also, I would like very much to complain loudly about the Back Bay

smell. It smells like a sewer. It’s a horrible way to enter Newport

Beach. I think that something should be done. If there’s no pollution,

why does it stink to high heaven and why can you smell it 24 hours a

day?MILDRED MURRY

Newport Beach

I believe the changes will improve the quality of the parade, allowing

participants to focus on five nights versus a lengthy seven. By

shortening the route, it will allow participants to get back to their

booths an hour early. That would lessen the time that each participant

has during an already hectic time of year. The two changes will greatly

improve the look of the parade, and I think it will help participants get

more active and be more involved in the parade.

BILL PIERPOINT

Balboa Island

In response to the boat parade route change, I want to register my

sadness. It was a tradition that was much enjoyed. I don’t understand why

the changes.

JANET McDONALD

Newport Beach

I’m very disappointed that it will be shortened and that it will not

have the extended days. We have been residents for a great length of time

and bring family and friends to enjoy this Christmas festivity.

CAROL WEBSTER

Newport Coast

It’s about time you changed it. It’s way overdue. It’s a good move.

DON MERRITT

Lido Isle

We enjoy the boat parade every year. It’s such a great spectacle from

the cliffs over here at Dolphin Terrace, as well as the short-term view.

We see the boats go out to the jetty and turn around and the stream of

them coming back down our little bay on the Lido Island side of Balboa

Island. They finish right here in front of us. It’s unbelievable, it’s

gorgeous.

And we hate to see anybody deprived of seeing this beautiful spectacle

every year. We agree that maybe the few days that you want to stop would

be appropriate, but don’t take the whole thing away. Some of us who have

enjoyed so much for so long would just be brokenhearted.

HELEN KELSO

Lido Isle

The shortening it from seven to five nights is a very good idea. Seven

nights is quite a road for the boat owners. But not coming up this whole

upper area by Lido and Lido Peninsula will deprive several thousand

people on the south shore of Lido Isle, all of Lido Peninsula and the

Balboa Peninsula bayfront. I have depended on that as a way to entertain.

We pay obligations to people from Los Angeles who love to come down.

RUTHELLYN MADDOX

Newport Beach

I think the idea of fewer nights and a shorter route in the boat

parade makes a lot more sense. In the long run, I think it will be very

good for everybody.

ANN DAVIS

Balboa Island