If you’ve already marked the 2016 Community First Jacksonville Light Boat parade on your calendar for Friday evening after Thanksgiving, you’re going to have to move that back by five weeks.
Gator Bowl Sports and the title sponsor announced Tuesday the annual procession of boats and the accompanying fireworks display will begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 30, the evening before the 72nd annual TaxSlayer Bowl college football game.
Rick Catlett, CEO of Gator Bowl Sports, said moving the event to coincide with the bowl game activities will allow visiting fans to enjoy the parade of decorated and illuminated vessels.
It also will allow ESPN to document the event and hopefully feature it as part of the TaxSlayer Bowl's national telecast Dec. 31.
“It’s our No. 1 water show and our No. 1 fireworks show,” Catlett said.
The parade was established in 1984 by the Gator Bowl Association as an adjunct to the game festivities.
The parade later moved to the day after Thanksgiving, which also is the day before the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Jacksonville Landing.
When the recession took its toll on the city’s special events budget, the boating community and the Landing’s owner pledged to keep the event alive.
In 2014, Community First Credit Union signed on as title sponsor and major benefactor.
“The parade is about family fun and community spirit. It showcases the St. Johns River and the creativity on the part of the captains,” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and president of Community First.
“We hope moving the date will be accepted by the community,” he added.
Watercraft from kayaks to sailboats and motor yachts are invited to participate and compete for prizes, including a party for 10 people at a local restaurant and a TaxSlayer Bowl package with game tickets, boat parking and recognition during the game.
Lisa Almeida, CEO of Freedom Boat Club of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, said the goal for organizers is to make this year’s event “an evening of magic” and “the biggest and best light boat parade we’ve ever had.”
Boater registration is open at lightboatparade.com.
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