Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade Lights Up Lake Virginia
Jim Carchidi
Spectators gathered at Dinky Dock Park as boaters showed off their splashy displays during the Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
The local boating community did its part to buoy the holiday spirit as the annual Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade set sail on Lake Virginia on the evening of December 10.
Spectators lined the shore at Dinky Dock Park to watch a festive flotilla that included inflatable characters, music, and miles of colorful string lights.
Spectators showed up early, bringing blankest and beach chairs, to enjoy the sunset at Dinky Dock Park before the start of the parade.
The event, which is organized by the Rotary Club of Winter Park and benefits food pantries at Winter Park High School and Killarney Elementary School, features sport boats, pontoons, paddleboards, and some enthusiasts from beyond the city limits.
“We usually participate in the Satellite Beach parade and thought we’d come out here,” said Karen Smith of Melbourne as she and husband, Terry, strung Christmas lights across their kayaks before the start of the event.
First-timers Karen and Terry Smith of Melbourne dress up their kayaks.Winter Park Police Chief Tim Volkerson also participated in his first Holiday Boat Parade with wife Tara, daughter Ella, (red shirt), son Timmy (green shirt) and their friends Joanne DeCosta and Luke Camchong.
“People go all-out with their boats, it’s a really special thing for our community,” said Winter Park Police Chief Tim Volkerson as he and his family prepared to participate in their first boat parade. “It gets pretty competitive but it’s all about having fun and being together.”
See the photo gallery for highlights from the 2022 Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade.
Jessica Cichra, Dale Ell, Kimberly James, Ron Hobbs, and Michelle Langrock dress for the occasion.Kayakers and paddle boarders ready their vessels.Paddling participants make their rounds before the larger craft come into view.This homage to the 1983 film “A Christmas Story” features the infamous Leg Lamp.Iconic characters and lots of yuletide music accompanied each floating display.Some UF fans sport their Gator pride.Santa made several appearances throughout the parade.Rudolph leads the way on this high-flying display.The red-nosed reindeer pulls Santa and Mrs. Claus across the lake. Another air-powered exhibit features Santa as the pilot.Participants and spectators sing along with music played from several boats.This life-sized snow globe was a hit with many kids and adults watching from the shore.A floating holiday railroad brightens the night and the spirit.
