Photos: Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade, A Holiday Favorite

PETALUMA, CA — Nippy weather Saturday night did not stop thousands from bundling up and lining the river banks in downtown Petaluma for the Lighted Boat Parade, an annual holiday tradition.

The popular event started on time as the D Street Bridge opened to allow the assortment of watercraft — everything from kayaks and sailboats to yachts and cruisers — to enter the Turning Basin area where spectators were gathered.

Some parade-goers parked in the multi-level downtown parking structure adjacent to the river and watched the parade from above while others put down blankets along the river bank and gazed at the festive flotilla.

The Petaluma Sea Scouts, a maritime youth organization for 10- to 18-year-olds, had on one of the larger vessels that led the parade of holiday-decorated boats.

The Petaluma Yacht Club and the Petaluma Downtown Association sponsored this year's event which was enjoyed by many children and families despite the chilly weather, traffic jam and large crowds.