Christmas Boat Parade 5th best in national poll
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Boat Parade finished fifth in a national media poll of the top 10 holiday parades in the country.
The parade, which just celebrated its 31st anniversary with its largest parade Dec. 7, finished behind such heavyweights as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Tournament of Roses Parade and Fort Lauderdale’s Winterfest Boat Parade in the poll.
“We couldn’t be more excited and honored to be chosen by the readers of USA Today as one of their top 10 Holiday Parades,” Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said.
Liszak said she was watching the results of the poll as they were updated in recent weeks. She said the chamber’s boat parade was going back and forth with Fort Lauderdale’s parade for a while.
“They have a $1 million budget. Our little quaint parade is up against the Winterfest. That is so awesome,” Liszak said.
“For our small community Christmas Boat Parade to be in such great company as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tournament of Roses Parade and others, is inspiring and it is all due to our community’s support,” Liszak said.
“It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit each year and it’s always the best party around town during the holiday season,” said Janeen Paulauskis, event coordinator for the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“It was a spectacular night,” Liszak said. “We had perfect weather and (a record) 31 boats. My favorite part is going up the bay from Siesta Isles to Pink Shell and looking behinds us and seeing the spectacle of boats strung out across the water all reflecting lights.”