It’s time for boat and home owners to spread the Christmas cheer and deck their vessels and abodes with decorations and enter the annual Pacific Harbour Christmas Lights Boat Parade, setting sail on Saturday, December 19.
It’s the last chance to be part of the parade to win the prizes for Best Creatively Decorated Boat or Best Creatively Decorated House, awarded to the entrants given the most outstanding and festive Christmas makeover.
The Yuletide magic over Bribie is thanks to the Pacific Harbour Residential Community Association (PHRCA) and is created with the glow of Christmas lights shared with friends, neighbours and strangers.
PHRCA President Jeff Wall said this event brings the Bribie Island community together and helps to foster stronger ties with the wider region.
“The Pacific Harbour community goes all out for the Christmas Lights Boat Parade and I can’t wait to see the new motor and sailing vessels and old favourites this year.’’
“Seeing this event grow each year is really special, we’ve got two boat parades this year for double the Christmas lights magic,” Mr Wall said.
Canal homeowners are also encouraged to be a part of the festivities by decorating their homes, gardens and pontoons to add to the Christmas celebration. Residents are encouraged to invite family and friends to the party to share in the atmosphere of Christmas joy.
It’s not Christmas without Santa Claus and The Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) makes sure Santa spreads waves of seasonal cheer with their vessel, the VMR 3.
Thanks to councillor Gary Parsons, Santa will be cruising the canals and stopping by pontoons and park banks to hand out lollies to children big and small.
“The Christmas parade is a wonderful celebration of our close knit community coming together for Christmas festivities,” Councillor Parsons said.
Previous years have seen the event attract over 2,000 Bribie Island residents and guests, gathered in homes and along the canal to watch the twinkle and glow of the boat parade.
Vice Commodore of the Bribie Island VMR Annette Mengel said, “We are excited to be back for a sixth year to make sure the nautical parade comes off without a hitch”.
“The unique Pacific Harbour Christmas Lights Boat Parade showcases our fantastic waterfront lifestyle.”
“Helping Santa cruise the canals is a highlight of the year for the Volunteer Marine Rescue,” Ms Mengel said.
The Pacific Harbour Lights Boat Parade provides a night of Christmas lights and magic for the whole family.
Prime vantage points for visitors to watch the nautical light spectacular include the former Marina Markets with available parking, all canal parks or the Eagles Landing Bridge.
“Participating in the parade is a lot of fun and we’d love to see some new entrants this year. The meeting point for all boats is near the Marina at 7pm for a 7:10 start,” Mr Wall said.
Residents wishing to take part in the Christmas Lights Boat Parade should call Tracey at PHRCA on 0448 744 743 or email cdm_phrca@bigpond.com.
Add Comment