SIDNEY — It was a win win win for this year’s Lighted Boat Parade which was enjoyed by hundreds of people who lined the Sidney waterfront on Nov. 30.
“The business community was supportive ensuring everyone was a winner by supplying an array of gifts and vouchers that were given out at the awards night at Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club following the parade,” explained Warren Franklin, one of the co-chairs of the event.
“We originally had 26 boats plus five Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue vessels set to go. However, as always, some boaters had to drop out because of the flu, lighting problems or in the case of the sea ambulance emergency vessel Ashley, skippered by John Manning, had to leave the parade to respond to an emergency call on one of the islands.”
Franklin said winning skippers received a Sidney Rotary Club Award trophy for their efforts to create outstanding visual themes and effects for their boats and all boats received a Rotary participation plaque.
“A big thank you to the 32 businesses and groups who ensured every skipper in the parade received an award,” said Franklin, adding that another special thanks goes out to all the members of the Lighted Boat Parade Sailpast Committee and the Sidney Celebrations Society who helped to sponsor the event.