The City of Palm Coast will host the 42nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade this Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 6 p.m., with the usual procession of illuminated vessels and the attendant logistical challenges along the waterfront.
Some 46 boats have registered, about half the number of boats that took part in the record-setting 2023 boat parade, when the Palm Coast Yacht Club sponsored it. The Yacht Club ceded the responsibility to the city after last year’s parade and a falling out between the two sides.
If you are planning to attend, do not bank on finding parking at Waterfront Park. The city is strongly advising attendees to use the complimentary shuttle service, as parking at the park itself will be severely limited. Shuttles provided by Palm Coast Ford and Flagler County Transportation will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., picking up from European Village and the Daytona State College Palm Coast Campus parking lot.
The parade route remains the same: the procession launches at the Cochise Waterway (North Cut), travels south beneath the Hammock Dunes Bridge toward Grand Haven, turns around at the Grand Haven Gazebo, and makes its return trip. The prime viewing areas—and the largest crowds—will be at Waterfront Park, St. Joe Walkway, and Canopy Walk.
For those braving the duration of the event, food trucks and port-a-lets will be stationed at Waterfront Park and the St. Joe Walkway Trailhead parking area (under the Hammock Dunes Bridge across from European Village). The Palm Coast Historical Society will be at Waterfront Park selling boat parade shirts.
On the water, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Flagler County Fire Rescue, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be patrolling. The event is scheduled to proceed rain or shine, though lightning or severe weather will force a cancellation. The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is forecasting a mostly sunny day and partly cloudy, cool evening.
Judges will be rating entries during the parade for Best Theme, Brightest/Most Colorful, Most Creative, and Most Spirited Crew, with winners announced afterward. If you prefer to avoid the traffic entirely, the city is live-streaming the parade on its YouTube channel.
The Schedule
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4:00 p.m.: Shuttles begin from European Village and DSC.
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5:00 p.m.: Boat staging.
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6:00 p.m.: Parade begins.
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8:00 p.m.: Event concludes.
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9:00 p.m.: Shuttles end.
PaulT says
Will this also be canceled if there’s a 20% chance of rain?
FlaglerLive says
No, only if there’s lightning, as article states. None expected.
FedUp says
Wow, 46 boats. I guess the Yanks are beginning to realize Palm Coast isn’t what they were told it was and moved on to a better run Florida city. Good for them. Better for the county.
Yankee Doodle dandy says
Well Hammock Hank, isn’t it about time?
We’re told the water department needs half a billion in upgrades, and the public schools are going to pot. Yet, they just hired a new city manager for an unpresidented $300,000 salary and the old manager isn’t going anywhere… despite the fact that she has two young children that she should be home schooling… right?… but will probably be enrolled in the local public school next semester.
The gas bill is just too high here… So, yes my English friend, it is indeed time to check the pilot-light on the oven and get out of the kitchen… before we ALL succome to the fumes… obviously like the folks that run the place.
Just say’n.
FLF says
Remember when the decision was made that the city could to a better job of running the parade than Sarah and the Palm Coast Yacht Club had done flawlessly for 40 years? Mayor Mike boasted to lead the parade in his 16 ft skiff and 4 hp outboard, so please get as many pictures as you can of him leading the parade! Maybe the FCSO will loan him a little blue flashing light and Honorary deputy badge he can affix to the front of his Santa hat. It will be splendid.
Laurel says
Usually, we have a bunch of friends come over, one comes down from Connecticut, we build a fire, have a few cocktails, sometimes a dinner, and hoop and holler as the boats go by. The 2023 boat parade was outstanding, and we had a blast appreciating the hard work, and imagination, that went into over 100 boats. This year, sounds like a ho-hum. We even told our friend from Connecticut it ain’t worth the trip unless she’s freezing up there.
Flagler County and Palm Coast strikes again!
Laurel says
BTW, Palm Coast will have to spring for the port a potties, and Flagler County will have to pay deputies overtime anyway! Brilliant!
Minority boater says
Watch out for missiles! our terrorist leaders murder people on boats if they even suspect wrongdoing by a minority.
Endless dark money says
If the boat has a trump sticker or flag they should be considered suspected pedophiles and blow them up ! If there are survivors shoot another missile!
Murikkka!