The Madeira Beach and Treasure Island Boat Parades

Despite the weather here, we were able to watch both the Madeira Beach and Treasure Island Boat Parades. Jen and Eric’s friend, Mike had invited us to watch them from his fifth-floor condominium balcony, and so we took advantage of the comfortable chairs and great view. The Madeira Beach boat parade was the first, a week before, and the weather had been good so there were more boats.

The boats never did come across John’s Pass and so all the images were too far for much detail. Still we enjoyed the colorful lights and appreciated all the work that had gone into each of the captain’s boats.

The Treasure Island parade had been scheduled for Friday night, but small craft warmings had caused it to be delayed until the following Sunday evening, and not as many boats participated.

The Treasure Island boats paraded right under Mikes balcony and that allowed us to get much better images, as twenty-one colorful boats passed by.

Many were decorated with Santa’s, some in his sleigh, and reindeer. Other boats had with Snoopy and even Pluto.

One of the colorful boats had trailing lights that mimicked two trolling poles and we all wondered if the lights attracted any fish.

Some had right white spotlights and they gave off so much white light that it really washed out many of the other decorations.

One boat even had a giant octopus, clutching candy canes!

As each boat passed by, we waved and most of the boats waved back yelling Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! A

s always, we enjoyed both parades. If you are ever close enough to see a Christmas boat parade, we strongly urge you to find a spot and view it.

Be sure to get there early, have a lawn chair, perhaps a blanket, and rest you arm for the waving!

Clear skies and of course Merry Christmas