Many Boats Make Light Work

‘Tis the week in Newport Harbor for Christmas carolers, pounds of appetizers, gallons of hot chocolate and -- of course -- valet parkers, bands and plenty of cocktails.

It’s time for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which began Wednesday evening with spectators lining Newport Harbor and residents with homes on the water opening their doors for elaborate parties. Thousands of dollars are spent each year as residents decorate homes, light up yachts in red and green, and entertain guests.

“This is a wonderful community event. It’s a nice signature for Balboa Island, Lido Isle and the other islands,” said former UCLA football coach Terry Donahue, who will be the host for two parties on Balboa Island. “People go all out,” he said. “It’s a tradition here, and it’s a real healthy one.”

The five-day event ending Sunday annually attracts more than 1 million people, who marvel at the more than 80 boats, each decorated with ornate Christmas scenes, twinkling lights and costumed characters.

The 14-mile trek starts just off Balboa Island, heads to Lido Isle and then off Balboa Peninsula. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight and ends at 8:30 p.m. An extended event Friday, Saturday and Sunday lasts until 9 p.m.

People line the waterfront for a close-up look, and for the first time this year, there will be a viewing area at the Fun Zone on Balboa Peninsula. Starting at 8 p.m., spectators there will hear commentary about each boat, including owner and decorating details.

Holiday boat parades take place up and down the coast of Southern California. Places with parades this weekend include Naples Island in Long Beach, Dana Point, San Diego Bay and King Harbor in Redondo Beach. But Newport’s, held intermittently for 97 years, is considered the granddaddy.

Gay Wassall-Kelly of Newport Beach is expecting hundreds of friends each night until Sunday. She has prepared 10 pounds of chili, 120 crab cakes and 36 pounds of Chex Mix.

“Every night is a party here,” said Wassall-Kelly, who wears a Christmas tree dress that lights up. “We send out invitations to people to come all five nights. And even the people we don’t send invitations to end up coming anyway. We just make sure we have enough food.”

The waterfront spectacle dates to 1908 when John Scarpa began the tradition on July 4 by parading his gondola and eight canoes with illuminated Japanese lanterns around Newport Harbor. Subsequent parades were held at Christmas and became progressively more elaborate.

Among those watching at home on Balboa Island is Shirley Pepys, who will have a buffet including filet mignon sandwiches, salads and champagne for 25 guests.

“We are blessed to live here, and we have to share it,” said Pepys, whose home is decorated with more than 2,000 lights and six cross-eyed moose, including one in a rocking chair. “I love the energy and excitement of the parade. It brings a lot of joy. I love watching the people’s faces as they walk by.”

Having a party is the often best option for waterfront residents, who sometimes find that traffic leaves them stuck at home anyway.

Dennis Vitarelli, 50, of Balboa Island, moves his cars to create four parking spots at his house and organizes carpools for guests. Other residents hire shuttle services or valet parking to accommodate guests.

Vitarelli organizes three parties over the five nights. He also takes friends out on his 46-foot sailboat and kayaks in the parade.

Jim Busby’s holiday bash on Balboa Island is tonight. He has held one every year for the last 17 and sends out 250 invitations. Guests are coming from Spain, Idaho and Illinois and include friends from junior high and high school.

Busby hires window cleaners two days before the event to make sure guests have a great view. “It’s great fun,” he said. “We invite everyone we have ever known.”