Jingle Boats: Chamber Christmas Parade lights up waters
BOB PETCHER
Twenty-six boats signed on for the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Christmas Boat Parade this year. “Second Time Around V” won in the ‘power vessels 26 feet and over’ division, while “Dreamcaught” took top honors in the ‘Sailboats’ division and kayaker
5. Mr. & Mrs Claus led members in the lead group and on shore in caroling.
6. NBC-2 Judges Robert Van Winkle, Kelly Creswell and Lindsay Logue join Boat Parade Chairman Dan Eaton in a photo.
Ol’ Saint Nick arrived on Fort Myers Beach a little earlier this year.
Instead of perched on a sleigh and led by reindeer, he made his presence known on a 45-foot Corinthian Catamaran.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus were among the lucky passengers on the lead boat of the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday evening. The vessel was sponsored by Adventures in Paradise and led by Capt. Bill.
Twenty-six illuminated and holiday-decorated boats – and a few joiners-participated in the festive occasion and no-fee-attached event. The parade began at Salty Sam’s Marina and continued through the Back Bay Intracoastal on a two-hour journey. Many spectators gathered at local waterfront restaurants, public areas and private homes to watch and celebrate the holiday season.
While the skies were lit up by the spectacle, celebrity judges Kelly Creswell, Robert Van Winkle and Lindsay Logue from NBC2, Town of Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Bob Raymond and a few other secret selectees were busy making decisions on which boat deserved the top three places in the following categories: power-driven vessels up to 26 feet in length; power vessels 26 feet and over; and sailboats.
There were some beautifully decked-out vessels in holiday ornaments, lights and other animated objects. But, it was a kayaker who stole the show.
Paul Corzatt paddled around the course in his Mako kayak to the cheers of all who witnessed the parade. He was the unanimous choice for the People’s Choice award and also captured first place in the smaller boat category.
In the smaller boats division, Corzatt was followed by “Bayside One,” captained by John Adams, in second place; and “Double Vision,” captained by Stuart Kaplan, in third.
First place in the sailboat division went to “Dreamcaught”, captained by DonCalder. It was followed by “Bright Star,” captained by Mary Burch (sponsored by Sailing Singles Club) in second place and “By Grace,” captained by Erick Stainbrook (sponsored by Dixie Fish) in third place.
First place in the larger boat division went to “Second Time Around V,” captained by Al Seiders, followed by “Impulsive IV,” captained by Charles Smart in second and “Dan-sin,” captained by Dab Starowicz in third.
“This is the best turnout we have had in years,” said Raymond. “You can tell the Christmas spirit is alive and going.”
Before the parade, Boat Parade Chairman Dan Eaton expressed his feelings about the annual holiday event on water.
“For me, the Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade signifies the start of the Christmas season,” he said. “It is a fun and festive event that brings our community together. It is our Macy’s Parade Fort Myers Beach Style!”
After the parade, at the Winners Circle Party at Big Game Waterfront Grill, Eaton thanked all the committee members, judges and sponsors.
“This year, we were blessed with some special help,” he said.
The committee included Chamber President John Albion, Team Judging Leader Robb Capps, Team Leader in Pre-party Ellis Etter, Team Leader in Boat Decorations Jim Rickards, Team Leader in People’s Choice Award Sandy Leathers, Team Leader in Post-party Glee Ann Agius, Team Leader in Boat Sponsorships Ted Schindler, Team Leader in Boat Participation John Woods, Team Leader in Awards Norma Jean Pevey, Team Leader in Goodie Bag Participation Tree Andre, Team Leader in Finance Barbara Farrell, Chamber Liaison/ Promotional Leader Nancy Eaton and Chamber Liaison Jane Ross.
The winners received a temporary plaque and will receive a permanent acrylic plaque with a picture of their boat on it.
AWARDS
– Power-driven vessels up to 26 feet in length
1. “Mako” – Paul Corzatt
2.”Bayside One” – John Adams
3. “Double Vision” – Stuart Kaplan
– Power vessels 26 feet and over
1.”Second Time Around V” Al Seiders
2. “Impulsive IV” Charles Smart
3.”Dan-sin,” Dan Starowicz
– Sailboats
1. “Dreamcaught” – Don Calder
2. “Bright Star” – Mary Burch
3. “By Grace” captained by Erick Stainbrook