By Iris Sanchez
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The sixth annual Galveston Harbor Parade of Lights was held Nov. 23.

Josh Denny (left) and Alexander Driscoll of St. Paul's United Methodist Youth Choir, visit onboard their boat before the Galveston Parade of Lights.
photo by Iris Sanchez

An array of viewers sat on Pier 21 and waited for the parade to begin. Thirty decorated boats began appearing at 6 p.m.

"We were very pleased with the turn out and number of boats," said Fred Wichlep, executive director of the Historical Downtown Strand Partnership. "This is the earliest time we've ever had this event. We expect a bigger turnout as the years go on."

This year's lead boat was the Harry Claiborne. It belongs to the Coast Guard and was decorated with white Christmas lights.

Many different approaches were taken in boat decorating. The Anita Gail, a boat owned by Bob Walker, was decorated with plastic tubing to give the effect of lit arches. St. Paul's United Methodist Youth Choir outlined their boat with lights and the choir sang as they passed onlookers.

"We are singing Christmas favorites from over the centuries," said Richard Robbins, St. Paul's youth choir director.

"It's a real family event," said Angela Crummett, a volunteer at the pre-parade sign-in. "Every year, I bring my grandkids. We stand at Pier 22 and sing Christmas songs to the passing boats."

The parade is sponsored by Galveston's Historical Downtown Strand Partnership. This event is held to bring in tourists and is modeled after the Kemah Boat Parade. Every year there is a pre-parade meeting to ensure safety among the participants.

"The pre-parade meeting is held to ensure that the parade goes smoothly and does not get out of order," said Capt. Ron Mozara, head of pre-parade briefing. "There have been some close calls in the past. I enjoy the parade, and would do anything to help Galveston and bring people to this attraction."

Anyone can enter the Galveston Parade of Lights. This year's fee was $35 per boat. Individuals without boats can also participate by riding the Colonel Paddle Wheel. For more information on the Colonel, call (409) 740-7797.

For more information on events in Galveston, call (888) 425-4753 or visit the Web site at www.galvestoncvb.com.

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