2016 Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: What to Know Before You Go

SARASOTA, FL – In an area known for as much fun off the land as on, lighted boat parades are a big hit during the holiday season around the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Sarasota is no different. The 31st Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will light up Sarasota Bay with festive displays on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Here’s what area residents need to know before you go to the 2016 Holiday Boat Parade of Lights:

When and Where

The 2016 Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 beginning at 6 p.m. along the coast of Sarasota Bay.

Organizers have reminded patrons, as well as visitors and residents that the parade brings a significantly increased amount of pedestrian and vehicular traffic to the Bayfront area. Guests are asked to allow for additional time when travelling through the downtown area during the weekend.

Best Views

The best views of the boat parade open to the public are Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza; Centennial Park, 1565 First St.; and Bayfront Park, Marina Jack Trail.

The Bayfront Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire northern tip of the island near the fountain. The VIP viewing area has been moved to the Marina Jack’s fuel dock to allow additional space for spectators. Organizers said this will improve spectator viewing from Bayfront Park considerably.

Parking and Road Closures

Guests are welcome to valet their cars at Marina Jack, but space is limited. The marina recommends patrons to use the Palm Avenue Parking Garage to offset the amount of traffic, where parking is free of charge.

Other parking information:

• Bayfront parking lots will close to public access at approximately noon on Dec. 10.
• No annual Marina Jack Parking Permits for marina tenants, charter boats or staff will be accepted to gain entry from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• The north entrance (Main Street and U.S. Highway 41) will be closed
• The south entrance (Ringling Boulevard and U.S. Highway 41) will be the only access to Marina Jack

Local Television Coverage

SNN 6 local news staff will be covering the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights throughout the evening at several areas around Marina Jack.

Parade Route

The parade will start from its staging area on the East side of Longboat Key, then turn at the mouth of New Pass and travel along the northern part of City Island. The parade will then cross Sarasota Bay to Centennial Park, where it will turn south and follow the coast. It will then pass under the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. The parade will then turn into a cove where it will pass by Marina Jack and Bayfront Park before ending out into Sarasota Bay.

Boat Entries

The deadline for boat entries is Thursday, Dec. 8. Entries are judged in four categories:

• Private (P1): 21-35 feet
• Private (P2): 36 feet and longer
• Corporate (C1): 12-35 feet
• Corporate (C2): 36 feet and longer

A perpetual trophy awarded to the “Most Creative” entry is displayed for one year in the Marina Jack restaurant. Cash prizes, awards and trophies will be awarded at a ceremony at Marina Jack’s fuel dock at 8:30 p.m. following the parade.

Suncoast Charities for Children

The Suncoast Charities for Children work with select local agencies to bring approximately 60 special needs attendees to the sponsors/media area. A cash donation will be made to the Suncoast Charities for Children from the proceeds of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

For more information about the parade or how to enter a boat in the parade, visit http://www.marinajacks.com/.

Image via Shutterstock