- April 24, 2024
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The end of a beautiful day started the 31st Holiday Boat Parade. Photo by Jacque Estes
The boats leave Cimarron Basin to start the parade. Photo by Jacque Estes
One of the decorated boats, waits in Cimarron Basin for the start of the parade. Photo by Jacque Estes
At times, the only lights on the Intracoastal, were those on the decorated boats. Photo by Jacque Estes
One of the decorated boats, waits in Cimarron Basin for the start of the parade. Photo by Jacque Estes
Capt. Robert Ulis was focused on leading the 29 boats behind him, safely down the Intracoastal on Saturday night. Photo by Jacque Estes
The Grand Marshall' s boat lead the parade. Photo by Jacque Estes
Law enforcement assisted in the parade, to ensure safety and help if there were difficulties. Photo by Jacque Estes
There were many parties along the parade route, scheduled to coincide with the annual boat parade. Photo by Jacque Estes
As the day ended, with a picture-perfect sunset, Grand Marshall Captain Robert Ulis and his wife, Sarah, lead the 31st Holiday Boat Parade, out of the Cimarron Basin and into the Intracoastal, on Saturday night.
Officially there were 30 boats registered for the parade, all festooned with colorful holiday decorations and lights. There were parties on board, and on shore, as crowds gathered to cheer and snap photos.
In the past the parade has been cancelled for tornadoes, had reduced attendance because of fog, and it rained in the beginning
“The Palm Coast residents really like this event, and help us to make it a success,” SARAH ULIS, Holiday Boat Parade Event Coordinator
last year's parade; but this year the weather was absolutely perfect. A gift from Mother Nature after a rough Fall.
“I don’t get to really enjoy the parade,” Ulis said as his eyes rarely strayed from the water in front of him, despite the escort by the Flagler County Sheriff’s craft.
Ulis may not have been able to party, but it was obvious he enjoyed what he was doing – bringing the holiday spirit to those who had hosted parties, gathered on public docks, and watched from condominium balconies, to see the annual event.
“The Palm Coast residents really like this event, and help us to make it a success,” Sarah Ulis said.
The moon hadn’t risen, making the trip back, a bit more intense. Bruce Douglas, Bob Humphrey, and others on the deck, scanned the dark water with hand-held lights, highlighting markers and the shoreline. The sheriff’s escort had stayed back to make sure the boats turned around after they passed Grand Haven.
As they made their way home, Ulis received a string of congratulations for another successful parade, and Merry Christmas, via radio, from the boats behind him.
