Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade Date Announced

Tampa Bay area residents who want to take their holiday celebrations to the water are invited to take part in the 15th annual Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade.

Set for Dec. 7, the parade is open to all boaters and paddlers of canoes, kayaks and more who are interested in adding to the festivities. Sponsored by the Friends of the River, this is an annual community event that kicks off with an assembly of boaters at 5:30 p.m. at the Lowry Park Boat Ramp, 7527 North Boulevard. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and continues until about 7 when participants end their run at Sulphur Springs Park, 701 E. Bird St.

“Owners of anything from yachts and power boats to canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, whatever floats,” are welcome to take part, a press release stated. Participants should decorate their vessels for the occasion using battery operated LED lights and other ornaments. Organizers say the tide will be high so there shouldn’t be much of a risk for boats with a deep draft.

The entire Tampa Bay community is invited to participate or watch the event that begins and ends at two public parks along the river.

Photo courtesy of Friends of the River