Parade Set to Weigh Anchor for 21st Year

At least 35 vessels decorated for this year’s theme of “Christmas Wonders” will motor down the Ventura Harbor Channel on Saturday for the 21st annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights.

The ships will make a two-lap loop through the channel, starting at 7 p.m.

Organizers say the best viewing spots for the parade are:

* Along Spinnaker Drive on the promenade from the Four Points Hotel to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center.

* Along the Ventura Harbor Village promenade.

* Near the launch ramp area on Schooner Drive.

Many of the restaurants will also have good views of the parade.

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to winners of each boat category in the parade, including sweepstakes, commercial, sailboat 31 feet and over, sailboat 30 feet and under, powerboat 26 feet and over, powerboat 18 to 25 feet, and powerboat or sailboat under 18 feet.

There also will be a Parade of Lights Festival, which will start at 4:30 p.m. at Ventura Harbor Village. The festival will feature music, shows, caroling, pony rides, face painting and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Free parking will be available in the harbor and on Anchors Way. If all harbor parking lots are full, Spinnaker Drive may be closed at 6 p.m.

To enter the parade, or for more information, call Ventura Harbor Village at 644-0169.