Chamber boat parade propels holiday season
Another festive water event propelled season’s greetings upon Fort Myers Beach.
The 26th annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade last Saturday provided participants and spectators a chance to ring in the holiday 19 days early as 27 registered and decorated boaters lit up and adorned the skyline and brought cheer to a snowless wonderland known as paradise.
Captains of power boats, an ensemble led by All Water Excursions who sponsored Beach chamber’s lead boat, meandered through the intracoastal on a two-hour journey around Matanzas Pass waters and in and out of the first two channels in Siesta Bay.
The idling course allowed those who didn’t participate in the parade to watch from ashore at waterfront establishments like Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Big Game Waterfront Grille, Doc Ford’s, Matanzas Inn Restaurant and Nervous Nellie’s Crazy Waterfront Eatery or at the homes of bayside properties or on board the Fort Myers Princess and the Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise.
The parade committee was led by co-chairs Rob Capps and Ted Schindler. Five judges aboard the chamber boat selected the category winners, while parade watchers texted in their favorite overall boat for a People’s Choice award.
NBC-2 Meteorologist Robert Van Winkle was the lead judge and emceed the awards ceremony at the Winners Circle Party. He thanked All Water Excursions for providing the lead boat, Truly Scrumptious for providing snacks on that boat and Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina for the boat beverages.
“There were many people who put this together,” he said, “but I want to just name three people from the boat parade committee. Give a big round of applause for Robb Capps, Ted Schindler and Jane Ross. They did a tremendous amount of work.”
The post-parade Winners Circle Party revealed several awards. First place burgee banners were given to the following:
n Capt. Brent Samuels aboard “Brent’s Boat” (#10) – Small Power Boat – Most Creative
n Capt. Lori MacMillan aboard “Albino Wino” (#7) – Large Power Boat – Most Creative
n Capt. Brian Josephson aboard “Chillin the Most” (#24) Business Sponsored (Fort Myers Boat Tour)
n Capt. Judy Maara aboard “One Stop Recovery” (#16) Most Spirited Crew
n Capt. Brian Josephson aboard “Chillin the Most” (#24) – People’s Choice
While the 27 boats did not topple the record-setting 34 decorated water crafts from a year ago, the jovial celebration of idling illumination was what co-chair Robb Capps called “Macy’s Parade Fort Myers Beach Style.”
Event sponsors included Matanzas On The Bay, Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, Yucatan Beach Stand, Bonita Bills Waterfront Cafe, Nervous Nellies Crazy Waterfront Eatery, Dock O’The Bay, Big Game Waterfront Grill, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill; Best Western Plus Beach Resort, Diversified Yacht Services, Inc., Truly Scrumptious, Jungle Golf, Panther Printing, FMBJoe.com, The Closers Premier Florida Realty, All Water Excursions, Doc Ford’s Raw Bar & Grille and Moss Marina.