Kids get boat’s-eye view

While competing for the first time in the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade 17 years ago, Geoff Landon and Carole Landon were worried that the parade wasn’t much more than a cocktail party for grown-ups.

That’s why, for the past 15 years, they have invited children from local shelters and other charitable organizations to watch the parade from a first-class location — cruising along in the middle of the harbor.

More than 500 children and their parents will ride aboard the Catalina Flyer tonight, tailing about 100 decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes that will participate in this year’s parade, now in its 98th year.

Bob Black, general manager of Catalina Passenger Service and a member of the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, has donated a boat to the event for the past 15 years. Once on board, participating children will enjoy snacks, balloon animals, a disc jockey and more.

“We are just happy to do it for the children who don’t get a chance to do something like this very often,” Black said.

Event organizer Carole Landon invites children from diverse backgrounds to ride on the Flyer each year, some from local foster homes and day-care centers, and others who are sick or abused. She believes events like this one represent the true meaning of Christmas.

“If we can put a smile on one child’s face, that is what Christmas is all about,” Carole Landon said.

The special boat ride is a perfect fit for this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, themed “Holiday Magic Through the Eyes of a Child.” The parade leaves from Collins Island at 6:30 p.m., today through Sunday, and sails around Newport Harbor.

Participating boats, many of which will be ornately decorated with lights and animation, are competing for a number of prizes, including the most humorous and the best theme presentation. In the past, boat owners have been known to spend more than $50,000 to decorate their vessels.

Viewers can watch the parade free from almost anywhere on shore and live commentary will be featured at the Balboa Fun Zone.

The public is also invited to watch the parade from aboard the Catalina Flyer at 5:45 and 7:45 p.m. each evening, except tonight, when only the 7:45 p.m. ride is available. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Call Catalina Passenger Service at (949) 230-1735 for more information.

IF YOU GO

The 98th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Newport Harbor

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., tonight through Sunday

Free

Call (949) 729-4400 or go to www.christmasboatparade.com