Winner happy to contribute

Longtime Newport Beach resident Gary McEachen has a knack for naming, and for the second time, the city has recognized his talent.

Last week, McEachen’s entry was chosen from more than 100 submissions as the winner of the 99th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade theme contest — “ ‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas” — and in 2004, he named Back Bay View Park.

“Newport Beach is such a privileged place to live and that’s why I’d like to contribute as much as possible to it,” said McEachen, who remembers coming to the parade as a 10-year-old, while vacationing here.

“I’ve always enjoyed the parade. It’s one of the highlights of the whole year.”

As the contest winner, McEachen, 64, will enjoy the parade more than ever this year. His prize includes a cruise on the parade’s lead boat and a stay at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort.

“When you’re in close quarters to all those fantastic boats, it’s another world,” he said, likening the event to the Rose Parade in Pasadena.

Following past themes such as “Holiday Magic Through the Eyes of a Child” and “A Holiday Beach Celebration,” McEachen said his theme will offer participants a lot of room to be creative.

“What’s neat is that this year you have a broad spectrum of ideas that relate to this fanciful theme,” he said. “I am eager to see what participants come up with.”

This year’s parade is scheduled for Dec. 12-16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Collin’s Island. Organizers expect nearly 1 million attendees.

For more information on the parade, call (949) 729-4400 or visit www.christmasboatparade.com.