Bedecked boats to entertain city

It doesn’t matter whether you know it by its old title, the Illuminated Boat Parade or its current name, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: The point is, you know about it.

And for the 101st time, Southern California locals will mix with tourists from around the country and the world to watch local sailors show off their boat-decorating skills.

“What I love most about it is that it’s known about our city worldwide,” said Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry. “I’ve talked to people on the East Coast and in Europe who’ve heard about it.”

And, boy, has this boat parade grown.

A Los Angeles Times article from August 1921 talks about the continued success of the parade, which back then was run in the summer. That year, the parade got 30 boats to participate, according to the article.

The parade garners substantially bigger crowds now, attracting people from all over the world.

Gay Wassall-Kelly of Balboa Island said she knows of a large group of European tourists who came to Newport Beach specifically for the holidays.

“We just look forward to going out, taking a different group every night,” said Gil Burrell, captain of Amazing Race. “I’d say they just enjoy seeing all the lights and being together in the holiday season. Have a few cocktails and enjoy the holidays. They get a night on the parade and get to see all the lights on the houses.”

What parade would be complete without fireworks?

With Ruby’s Diner agreeing to close on the final night of the parade, Dec. 20, spectators will get a 9 p.m. fireworks show sponsored by Balboa Island Ferry Inc. and private community members. Still, they might be hard to compete with the way some of these boats are decorated.

From last year’s winning power boat, My Bebek, which had a chimney display on it, to the last year’s best sail boat, Elation, which transformed the sail into a giant Christmas tree image, the competition is always stiff.

If You Go

What: 101st Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Where: Newport Harbor

When: Wednesday to Dec. 20, starting at 6:30 p.m. each night from the Bay Island Channel.

More Information: Visit www.christmasboatparade.com, where a map of the parade route is available.