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Holiday Parade May Float Your Boat

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By ANGELA DELGADO, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2007

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - The eighth annual Bay Crest Park Holiday Boat Parade is will be held Saturday, and everyone is welcome.

The parade used to involve just Bay Crest residents but lately has been including anyone interested in participating. The event lasts from 7 to 9 p.m.

"We just wanted to do something fun and festive for the neighborhood," parade chairman John Housand said.

In past years, 20 to 25 boats have been in the parade. But those numbers could increase since the parade has been growing more each year, Housand said.
Parade participants may decorate the boat however they choose. The past few parades have included decor ranging from an Elvis Christmas to Christmas in the Tropics.

Prizes are awarded for best overall, most creative and honorable mention. Winners receive prizes such as dinners to restaurants or an annual pass for a family of four to The Florida Aquarium.

The event is free for participants and spectators. Housand said the parade is so popular that many residents schedule their holiday parties in conjunction with the event.

"Everybody has a great time just enjoying it," Housand said. "It helps promote a sense of community."

The parade begins at Bay Pointe Condominiums on Bay Pointe Drive, passes Bay Crest Mini Park at the end of Bay Crest Drive, flows through New Bay Crest, through Bay Crest Mini Park again to reach Old Bay Crest, and ends at Tahiti Lane.

The best place for spectators to view the parade is from a mini-park at the end of Bay Crest Drive.

Those interested in information on the parade should visit the Web site www.baycrestchristmasboatparade.com. Those who want to participate in the parade should call Housand at (813) 290-0626.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

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