Watercolor Spectacle Boat Parade Captivates Throngs

As much an excuse for parties ashore as it is for imaginative boaters “decking the hulls,” the annual Marco Island Boat Parade wound its way around the island’s waterways.

From the main vantage point at the Snook Inn, revelers cheered and exclaimed “Merry Christmas” as the boats glided by on the way to Smokehouse Bay.

Pictured are some of the colorful contributions to this popular fixture on the Christmas Island Style festive season series of events.

The judges tasked with choosing the boat parade winners were Peggy Reiss, Past Commander American’s Boating Club; Dr. Rick Siegel; Bob Brown, Past City Councilor; Erik Condee, President of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce; and Major R. Boone, Commander Civil Air Patrol.

The winners are:

• Best in Parade – Euphoria 35’ Sail, 47’ – Mast Captain Mike Rushalk
• Best Holiday Spirit – Michele’s Bell, 22’ Power – Captain Blaine Barcic
• Most Creative – Karine, 50’ Power – Captain Rudi Landwaard
• Most Entertaining – Sophie’s Dinghy, 21’ Power – Captain Alexander Dubicki