'Tis the Season for Boat Parades

Captiva Holiday Village Boat Parade

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When the Captiva Holiday Village Boat Parade sets sail from Roosevelt Channel, Marker #2, on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., I’ll be at my judging perch on board one of John Jensen’s pontoon boats, docked at the Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant on Captiva Island. My job is to score the boat entries (sailboats and power boats) on their originality, workmanship and general effect in presentation. Although 100 lights is the required entry fee, I expect the boats to be illuminated with more than a 1,000 blazing bulbs, decked out in festive red, green and gold and even be blasting some of my favorite Christmas music. “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…” The flotilla will travel along Roosevelt Channel to ’Tween Waters Inn and back to Marker #2. Best spots to watch from are the Green Flash restaurant, Jensen’s Marina, ’Tween Waters Inn and McCarthy’s Marina — or book a spot on Captiva Cruises and take it all in from the water. If you arrive early look for me at the Mullet Festival  — I’ll be the one wearing a Santa hat and biting into a fish sandwich — held at Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina & Cottages.  Find details on all the Captiva Holiday Village festivities (Nov. 23 through Dec. 9) at captivaholidayvillage.com.

Tags: Captiva | Captiva Holiday Village