Christmas boat parade sets sail

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Cathy Grain of Bonita Springs waits at Salty Sam's Marina for the parade to begin.

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Kim Kalisik of Fort Myers Beach (left) with family and friends aboard her boat Blue Turtle.

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Captain Mike Poff of Offshore Charters and crew get ready for the parade.

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A sailboat at Salty Sam's Marina created a festive atmosphere at the dock.

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Snook Bight Marina's boat featured a star to guide the way for the parade.

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The 29th Annual Christmas Boat Parade lit up the waters around Matanzas Pass Saturday night.

The event, organized and judged by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, featured 25 entries in a variety of size categories.

“We’re looking for creativity, team spirit, everyone that stands out,” said Megan Zelenak, co-chairman of the parade. “We’re excited with the amount of entries this year.”

Five judges were stationed aboard the Chamber sponsored boat, Nautilus II.

Beginning at 6 p.m., boaters followed the Nautilus II in a loop from Salty Sam’s Marina to the easternmost canals of Siesta Isles. Hundreds of spectators thronged the waterway and were invited to vote by ballot at selected locations for People’s Choice.

Winners were announced at a post-parade celebration held at Salty Sam’s Marina:

Large power boat: Chilling the Most – Captain Brian Josephson

Small power boat: Nicole and David Baker

Sponsored Small Power Boat: Snook Bight – Captain Dan Allers

People’s Choice: Chilling the Most – Captain Brian Josephson