Boat parade the main attraction

Deepa Bharath

If it doesn’t have lights or decorations on it, it probably doesn’t

belong in Newport Harbor -- at least for the next five days.

More than a million people are expected to flock to the city

between tonight and Sunday to watch everything from multi-million

dollar luxury yachts to smaller boats and even little kayaks and

canoes sail along the harbor during what will be the 95th annual

Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade.

Strings of lights reflect on the water and elaborate, breathtaking

decorations attract several viewers to the harbor.

A main attraction for visitors are the beautifully-decorated homes

on Balboa Island, Balboa Peninsula, Harbor Island and Lido Isle whose

residents flex their creative muscles year after year.

Gay Wassall-Kelly, whose home on Balboa Peninsula won first place

for Best Humor and Originality, said she has “never seen so many

lights” in the 48 years her family has been on the peninsula.

“I don’t know why,” she said. “It’s magical. It’s as if people are

really celebrating.”

Wassall-Kelly and her husband, Bill, decorated their home to echo

the theme of the parade, “A Holiday Beach Celebration.”

“We went crazy like we do every year,” she said with a laugh. “We

got a lighted palm tree, got some fun blow-ups. We had a surfboard

and painted white and red candy stripes on it. We have every inch of

our home lighted this year.”

Their home has been selected to be featured in A&E;’s “Ultimate

Holidaytown USA,” a program where viewers will see snippets of some

of the funniest, most creative, most outlandish homes.

This is actually a competition like “American Idol” where viewers

will ultimately vote for one winner.

“We made it to the last 20 [contestants],” a delighted

Wassall-Kelly said. “I’m thrilled Balboa is going to be on A&E.;”

Opening day is the most exciting day at the boat parade, the

veteran parade-watcher said.

“People must make sure they bring along a jacket,” she said. “It’s

supposed to be 70 degrees, but you never know.”

Among the best spots to watch the parade from, she says, are

Balboa Village, the northern and southern side of Balboa Island from

where “you can see the parade twice,” and the bridge at the Arches,

which is always a popular spot.

“The key is to make sure you get there early and allow enough time

to find parking,” Wassall-Kelly said. “And if you get a reservation

at one of the bayfront restaurants, make sure you know when the

parade passes by or you’ll be disappointed.”

Most restaurants, clubs and charters are usually fully booked for

all nights during the week of the parade. This year seems to be no

exception.

Anthony’s Riverboat Restaurant is expecting a hectic week, said

owner Anthony Pesci.

“I have about 90 seats and I’m all booked up,” he said Tuesday

afternoon. “I’ve spent all day today turning people away. I wish I

had more space.”

The boat parade is the biggest event of the year for local

charters, said Randy Goodman, president of Electra Cruises.

“Our business is up this holiday season by at least 25%,” he said.

Goodman’s company operates five yachts, all of which can seat more

than 100 people.

“December is our biggest month,” he said. “And the parade, no

doubt, is our busiest time of the year.”

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at deepa.bharath@ latimes.com.