Each year on the first Saturday in December, the Lighted Yacht Parade kicks off the holiday season. Bay Area boat owners decorate their boats for a parade, while hundreds of spectators gather along the waterfront at specified viewing areas or at restaurants that afford them a view of the Oakland/Alameda Estuary.
Photo courtesy of Oakland Yacht Club
Published: December, 2006
Winter Wonderland is this year’s theme for parade. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for Best Decorated Power Boat and Best Decorated Sail Boat. A grand prize will be awarded for Best Overall Decorated Boat. Judges will evaluate boats based on: representation of this year’s theme, the number of lights, creativity with decorations, costumes and music. This year’s grand prize winner will receive dinner for four at the Oakland Fire House, Station #12. Dinner will be prepared by the Oakland Firefighters and will include a ride on their restored antique fire truck.
Similar to past years, the parade partners with The Oakland Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness and the Alameda Food Bank. Participants and spectators are encouraged to donate food, new unwrapped toys, or money at the designated drop sites located at each organizer’s facility. These donations provide food and toys to deserving kids and families during the holiday season. For more information, www.alamedafoodbank.org / www.ofrandomacts.org,
