Boaters show off American pride

While many will turn to their backyards, local parks or oceanfront views to enjoy fireworks Saturday, a different kind of entertainment awaits in Newport Harbor.

The American Legion Yacht Club is sponsoring the 54th annual “Proud to be an American” Fourth of July Boat Parade Saturday afternoon.

Starting at 1 p.m., the American Legion, Newport Harbor Post 291, will welcome Old Glory and her followers — many boats decked out from hull to mast in red, white and blue.

But it’s not just the boats that will be bringing the American spirit, there’s a tradition of sailors getting into the act too.

After all, organizers said, the parade was called the Character Boat Parade at its founding.

“Some of them wear Revolutionary War hero outfits, others wear red-white-and-blue bikinis. It’s just showing the colors,” said Steve Spriggs, commander of the American Legion Post 291. “It’s not a serious day as far as trying to win but it’s a day to get together and count our blessings ... after all, we’re in two wars.”

Boats will compete to see who has the most patriotic craft, among other things.

Look for kids to get a thrill when the lead boat from the Harbor Patrol turns on the fire hoses to lead the procession through the harbor.

The boat will be followed by the VIP boat, which will have the grand marshal — this year it’s Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich — along with Marines and kids from the Make-a-Wish foundation.

Parading boats may even earn awards for best decorated, outstanding music, finest costumes, most creative, greatest spirit and the coveted Commodore’s Award.

“It’s a spectacular event. Some are playing patriotic music and it’s a long line around Newport Harbor. Typically, we’ll get half a dozen or so boats who didn’t register in the parade but go, ‘Oh, it’s a parade’ and join,” said Jon Reynolds, staff commodore for the American Legion Yacht Club.

The American Legion took over the parade from the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce in 1992 and has put on the celebration annually since.

“It allows family to get together and enjoy themselves and enjoy time together,” Spriggs said.

Audience favorites have been the bikini-clad patriots on some boats and the cannon bursts from others.

One year, Reynolds said, a woman’s boat sank and after it was recovered, ended up winning an award from the judges.

You just never know what you’re going to get in the relaxed, fun atmosphere of the parade, organizers said.

The all-day gala begins at 7 a.m. at American Legion Post 291, with a $10 pancake breakfast served until 11 a.m. A barbecue lunch and dinner is available for $10 from noon to 5 p.m. and there will be live music and dancing from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information call the American Legion Newport Harbor Post office at (949) 673-5070.

If You Go:

What: The 54th annual American Legion Yacht Club Fourth of July Boat Parade

Where: Newport Harbor with starting point in front of American Legion Post 291, 215 E. 15th St., Newport Beach

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Information: Go online to www.al291.com/sites/yachtclub or call (949) 673-5070.