The Sidney Lighted Boat Parade is set to hit the water Nov. 24.
The parade, which takes place after the Sidney Sparkles Santa Parade, has been a fixture in the town since 1985. Warren Franklin, one of the event organizers, hopes this year nets a large group of lighted boats for the public to enjoy.
“We usually have around 20 boats or so and we’ve really been pushing this year so I hope it will be a big group,” said Franklin, adding that incentives from local merchants and groups have helped too.
“Port Sidney Marina is offering two free nights of accommodation (moorage) to boaters who are participating in this year’s parade and Capital Iron is offering 20 per cent off lights to participants in the parade, so it’s really great.”
Parade participants gather in the mouth of Tsehum Harbour and are led out and accompanied by the Canadian Coast Guard from the Ganges Life Boat Station as well as volunteers from the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 36. A reviewing stand is located at the bottom of Beacon Avenue and Adrian Kershaw from the Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club will be narrating over a PA as the boats slip past Sidney’s waterfront.
Prizes for best lighting and decorations will be handed out during a dinner at the Rumrunner Pub in Sidney after the parade. Trophies and gifts to participants are donated by the local Rotary Club and local merchants.
“It’s a great event that’s open to anyone who is interested, whether they are private or commercial, and it’s really not difficult to get involved,” said Franklin.
Registration forms, tips on decorating and further information on the parade is available at peninsulacelebrations.ca/events/sidney-sparkles/ or interested parties can contact Franklin at warrenf@shaw.ca or at 250-655-0149.