The Jacksonville Light Parade lineup will include the St. Johns River Ferry when boats idle through Downtown starting at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The St. Johns River Ferry Commission held a special meeting Monday to discuss and vote on the motion of including the ferry in the annual Downtown holiday tradition and shutting down ferry operations early Saturday.
The commission approved the motion unanimously, 5-0, with members Aaron Bowman, Elaine Brown, Marla Buchanan, chair John Crescimbeni and Rich Redick present. Member Larry Williams was present by phone and Carl Cannon was not present.
The ferry will shut down normal operations at 2 p.m. Saturday to make the trip south to the Landing from Mayport. Plans are to dock the ferry near the Hyatt Downtown and allow 150 on board to watch the parade of boats and fireworks afterward.
"This will be a great event that will bring exposure to the ferry," said Elaine Brown, commission member.
Commission member Rich Redick has worked with Tom Goldsbury, City Public Works Department engineer manager and Mark Fernandez, general manager of Hornblower, the ferry operator on making the event happen.
"The key goal of this effort is boosting public relations to increase ridership. The second goal is to not cost the City or commission anything for the event," said Redick.
The idea developed when Redick met with Goldsbury and Fernandez to discuss the financial statement for the Nov. 5 meeting.
"We started talking about the light parade and we thought it would be a perfect fit," said Redick.
They determined the cost of bringing the ferry Downtown would include $2,400 in lost revenue, $595 in fuel, $350 for crew and $500 for portable toliets. They were able to find in-kind donations of a generator to provide power for the lights, a boarding ramp and two fenders from BAE Systems for docking.
The cost for the ferry's appearance is $3,845.
Gate Petroleum agreed to donate $500 for fuel, according to Elaine Brown. KeeptheFerry.org is donating $345. Daily Record Publisher Jim Bailey, who has been a participant and supporter of the light parade, agreed to help find sponsors for the remaining $3,000.
The party that will be held on the boat during the parade was estimated to cost an additional $4,578. Organizers estimated $1,428 for tent, tables and chairs rental, $1,500 for catering, $250 for heaters $1,400 for ferry lights.
The event would be paid for through admission fees $20 for KeeptheFerry.org members and $30 for general public. Redick estimated tickets would account for about $2,500. The website will pick up the remaining $2,078.
"When I was talking to a friend about bring the ferry to the Light Parade they asked me if that was like bringing an elephant to a cat parade," said Crescimbeni, who serves on City Council.
Crescimbeni said he saw it as an opportunity.
"I think it has a lot of potential to become a major fundraiser," said Crescimbeni.
People interested in purchasing a ticket to board the ferry Downtown can contact Hornblower (904) 241-9969.
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