Christmas boat parade launches into 97th year

NEWPORT BEACH

Christmas boat parade launches into 97th year

The 2005 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade launched Wednesday in the harbor. This year, about 100 boats registered for the parade, and dozens more participated. Boats and homes ringing the bay were decorated with lights and holiday displays.

This year, the 97th for the event, was the first to feature live commentary by veteran boater and Daily Pilot columnist Mike Whitehead. The parade concludes today.

* The Kiev Ballet of the Ukrainian National Opera made its American debut with a weeklong run of performances of “The Nutcracker” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

This version, performed by one of the most recognizable ballet companies in the world, was a restaged version of “The Nutcracker” ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa.

* The City Council on Tuesday chose Councilman Don Webb to serve as mayor for the next 12 months, and Councilman Steve Rosansky was named mayor pro tem. Webb replaces John Heffernan, who was filling an unexpired term that began in May.

At the helm of the council, Webb will be continuing a number of projects Heffernan tackled, including a new city hall and the city’s local coastal plan and general plan update. He also gets the special privilege of riding on the city’s centennial float in the Jan. 2 Rose Parade.20051218irixz7knKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Spectators watch as decorated boats cruise past the Balboa Pavilion during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday.