named “Pilot 49” because it was the 49th such boat built. This year’s parade is in Krier’s memory.
More than one hundred boats have officially registered to participate in the 2023 Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade which has held the record as Florida’s largest lit boat parade to be held December 9 at 6 p.m.
It may be in range of the record for the largest such boat parade in the United States, behind the Newport Beach parade in California and the Newport, Rhode Island, parade, both of which draw as many as 150 boats, although those numbers are not official. Says Sarah Ulis, Chair of the Parade, “We are thrilled to find ourselves in this historic position and tremendously proud of the Palm Coast boaters who have stepped up to make this parade one of national significance.”
With new enhancements for boaters and viewers, this year’s parade route will be lengthened by more than a mile and shuttle bus service for spectators will be provided. Registrations continue to grow for the parade, now in its 40th year. As always, the Parade is free to all. To register boats and for more details, visit www.palmcoastyachtclub.com. The Palm Coast Yacht Club sponsors the event every year.
Parking will be available at the Palm Coast Community Center and the Daytona State College campus, both on Palm Coast Parkway. Flagler County buses will shuttle viewers between designated parking and European Village. Lit parking signs will be posted between along the Parkway. Parking will also be open at Waterfront Park. As always, Parade viewers are advised to seek parking early. All parking and shuttle service is free and will be available continuously between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on December 9.
This year the Parade will begin at Cochise Waterway and head south. The parade will pass the Cimarron and Club House Waterways and sail under the Hammock Dunes Toll Bridge past St. Joe Walkway and Waterfront Park. Boats will turn at the Gazebo in Grand Haven, pass Cimarron Waterway, and return to home port.
The Parade will be held in honor of the late Al Krier, a long-time Parade champion and major community activist for whom the Palm Coast City Council just dedicated a trail. Grand Marshalls will be Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
Carrying the Grand Marshalls will be “Sunshine,” a 55-foot Viking owned by Club members Donna Heiss and Ken Mazzie. Parade escorts include the Marine Unit of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and TowBoatUS. The Florida Inland Navigation District is endorsing the event. Once again, the Parade will be broadcast live by Flagler Broadcasting on KOOL-FM, 100.9. The city is providing simultaneous live coverage at its channel on Youtube.
Laurel says
Good news! I hope they start the line up at the northern most point. Last year was disappointing as they started way south, which was halfway through Palm Coast. Looks like it’s going to be a good parade this year. Looking forward to it.