Dec. 13, 2008 — The annual Christmas Boat Parade in Christiansted harbor has become a special part of the season for many St. Croix residents and Saturday's event was no exception.
The huge crowd was treated to flyovers by three Seaborne planes in formation before the parade got started, and when it finished the sky over the sea was lit up with a gorgeous holiday-colored fireworks display. In between was the main attraction — the parade of gaily-decorated boats with most sending out the sound of Christmas music across the water.
"It's magical," said Carol Doyle. "I have been in the parade and I like it much better from land."
From Fort Christiansvaern to the seaplane terminal the harbor was lined with people cheering their favorite boat and spreading holiday cheer. A dozen elves from the Krewe de Croix group were passing out candy.
Jolly old St. Nicholas was on the boardwalk and on board a couple of boats in the parade.
The growing popularity of the event appeared to be benefiting business as the crowd was not only strong on the boardwalk but back two or three blocks into town, with numerous stores open.
"Things are going well tonight," said Kate Mack, owner of a little store by the fort called Gifts and Souvenir Shop.
Of course there was plenty of island fare like johnnycakes and pates to sate the appetite of parade-goers.
The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies, always a hit, performed for the crowd in the center of the boardwalk.
The Gentlemen of Jones led the crowd in a sing-a-long of Christmas carols.
"We have about 20 guys here tonight," said member Bob Moorehead. "We have sung at the parade every year since the beginning. It is a fun night."
The couple of dozen boats in the parade were down from last year as Hurricane Omar took down 47 boats. The boardwalk was severely damaged too, but the Department of Public Works patched it with plywood this past week.
The storm didn't keep boat owners from going all out to make the parade special, draping masts with red, green and white lights and fishing boats with lights that looked like wings. One mast was decked out as a tall palm tree, and there were lit-up dolphins, reindeer and stars galore.
"Looking nice," said Mah Quan Graham. "I really liked it."
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