New awards added for Christmas boat parade

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has added two awards this year, bringing the total list of prizes to 19.

The event, now in its 105th year, will now honor Sweepstakes Winner — Non Commercial and Most Entries from a Yacht Club. The former prize, which recognizes clubs, families or other residential groups, complements the sweepstakes award for commercial productions.

“It’s the boat everybody talks about the next day,” said Jeff Parker, the chief operating officer of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. “This year, we’ll have two of them.”

The theme for this year’s event, hosted by the chamber’s Commodores Club, is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree! Decorated boats will take to the water every night from Dec. 18 to 22, while bayside homes and businesses are invited to decorate for the Ring of Lights contest.

The deadline to sign up for the parade is Dec. 16. For more information, call (949) 729-4400 or visit https://www.christmasboatparade.com.

—Michael Miller

Twitter: @MichaelMillerHB