Newport Beach : Character Boat Parade to Cast Off on Sunday
Local sailors can show off their vessels by signing up for Newport Beach’s 25th annual Character Boat Parade Sunday afternoon on Newport Bay.
Sponsored by the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade will feature about 50 craft decorated to fit this year’s theme, “America the Beautiful.”
Decorated boats of any size may join the parade. Private entries may participate free while commercial participants will be charged $100, according to Jeanne Savel, a chamber spokeswoman. So far, she said, vessels already registered for the parade range in size from a 16-foot powerboat to an 83-foot motor yacht.
The 2-hour parade will start at 2 p.m. in front of the Villa Nova restaurant and will continue down the south side of Newport Bay past Lido Island before eventually returning along the north side of the waterway to the Balboa Bay Club.
Trophies for the best boats in three categories will be awarded at a ceremony to be held at the club immediately after the parade.
Although the event will be visible from the shore, spectators can get a closer look from the Pavilion Queen, which will follow the parade route. Tickets for the Pavilion Queen can be purchased for $10 each by calling the Chamber of Commerce.
Boaters wishing to enter the race should notify the Chamber of Commerce by Friday. For more information, call (714) 644-8211.
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