| Each year, residents and visitors line up to view boats | | | | extravagant. There can be 10-foot water crafts, |
| as they glide past the downtown area in Bradenton. | | | | 30-foot vessels, 62-foot luxury boats, and 100-foot |
| People wrapped in blankets watch, excitedly, on local | | | | houseboats, and each will be decorated in its own |
| docks, restaurant patios and sandy beaches, eagerly | | | | style. |
| await the start of the parade. | | | | The parade is not about just the joy of gathering with |
| Sounds of Christmas music and carolers can be heard | | | | friends, it's about giving back to the community. |
| as they travel across the water, on the Manatee | | | | Drop-boxes, strategically placed at the parade |
| River. Although the parade can be seen from many | | | | sponsor's offices, encourage people to donate Toys |
| areas along the riverfront, some of the best viewing is | | | | for Tots. Sponsors or their representatives will |
| on City Island, Island Park, Centennial Park, and on the | | | | distribute the donations to local underprivileged children. |
| Sarasota bay front. The mood is festive, and no one | | | | The community invites physically and mentally |
| really cares that the ground is not covered with snow. | | | | challenged people to join in the fun, and watch the |
| The boats sail slowly by, treating the onlookers to a | | | | parade, safely, in the VIP area. |
| dazzling light display. This might seem to be an unusual | | | | The boats float, slowly, past the judges, each vying for |
| event to landlocked people, but for Floridians, it's a way | | | | available prizes. Trophies and cash prizes of $500 for |
| of life. | | | | first prize, $250 for second prize, and $125 for third |
| The boats are decorated in their finest Christmas lights | | | | prize are presented to the most awe-inspiring marvel |
| and garb. On the boat decks, Santa and his reindeer, | | | | of the parade. |
| nativity, and snow scenes abound. Tall sail boats | | | | After the parade, many of the decorated boats are |
| proudly glide by with their lighted masts, and dripping | | | | moored at docks in downtown Bradenton, adjacent to |
| with icicle lights. They appear as illuminated reflections | | | | the Twin Dolphin Marina and City Hall. Throughout the |
| against the dark evening sky and the water below. | | | | holiday season, people visit and walk along the brightly |
| Each one casts a cheery glow over the water, as | | | | lighted holiday scenes in the park areas and on the |
| they fill the night with a spectacular show. | | | | docks. It's a special, magical time of year in Bradenton, |
| The parade consists of small dingys, fishing boats, | | | | and one that many people eagerly look forward to |
| catamarans, house and racing boats. The sky (or | | | | each December. |
| water) is the limit. No boat is too small and none too | | | | |