The Isles of Capri Boat Parade Lit Up the Night

An event that brings out smiles and happiness on the Isles of Capri is the yearly Capri Boat Parade, an event that the community was glad to see return after a year of seclusion. Even the boat captains and crews went all out this year with their decorations – maybe they had two years to work on them? All kidding aside, the boats were as amazing as the perfect weather on Saturday night the 11th of December.

We had the joy of riding with a fairly new resident on his spectacular boat and he agreed to be the captain, thank goodness. He supervised and supported his crew of two as we collaborated on the decorations. He was motivated to action when some of the props fell into the water while positioning them and scooped them from the current with a trusty net kept nearby. Several times.

Like many other boats, the cooler was loaded with beverages and food/snacks and the local ice machine made a hefty income. Not only for the boats in the parade, but the many residents and guests that congregated on their balconies, docks and seawalls to cheer for the designs as we rode by.

It was a show of spirit that had been somewhat dormant due to the isolating we endured, so the revived fun and camaraderie was electric. Calls of Merry Christmas rebounded over the water along with the oooohs and ahhhhs as the boats cruised by, some playing carols and some playing their favorite George Strait music.

Truth be told, it’s just as much fun for the crews as we see the decorations inside the homes that are lit up as we glide by. The Christmas trees and holiday glow honestly made up for a year without – they were spectacular and echoed the mood and excitement of the spectators as we embraced some normalcy. A win-win all around.

The Boat Parade is a long-standing tradition on Isles of Capri, as is the Golf Cart Parade, which is coming up on December 24, 2021. The riders on the carts also have music and decorations, and it’s a lively event for young and old. Off island friends come to the homes of Capri residents to celebrate the holiday and watch the parade from their front lawns. Some have food and drinks set up outside so it’s a short walk to refills.

As for the Boat Parade, I believe there were 17 boats involved this year and the creativity was over the moon. Awards are given to the top boats after the parade, where the crews gather for comradery and fun at Pelican Bend after they take their boats on home. It was a jam packed, fun and funny event as the Captains/Crews were recognized. There were donations from the local restaurants won by the participants and even #13 (that was lucky us) won $100 in a kind of Guess the Number Game. Our own Captain Don donated the amount back to the Capri Civic Association, as did others. At this printing, I don’t have a list of the winners, but will include those in a future article. I do have photos of the boats, however, and you can probably determine the winners from the photos!

I’ve said this before, the Isles of Capri is a warm, wonderful community of residents who like to have fun and have big hearts. Come on over and try any of our four restaurants, the laid-back lifestyle and great food. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Joyful Kwanza and to all, a special, loving holiday.