Photo by Dean Sullivan
The town is still glowing from last Sunday’s 2026 Baywood Lighted Boat Parade, marking the biggest year yet for the pure, quirky, and joyful display of homegrown Los Osos goodness.
Nearly a hundred lighted and decorated watercraft took to the bay for the fifth annual community float. The water was alive with creativity, featuring everything from glowing dragons and pirate ships to a floating field of poppies, light-up humans, sailboats, and a giant rubber ducky. The warm evening brought out plenty of local sea-faring pups and stoked kids swimming in the shallows, surrounded by fun, creative people embracing the spirit of the event.
“The whole neighborhood came out to the blue Baywood Pier and the shoreline to watch and enjoy the very finest of our community utilizing this beautiful natural backdrop,” said Paul Irving, one of the organizers. “The Cimo Brothers filled the air with the perfect live soundtrack for the magical night, while Bear City Social kept the crowd happily fed.
“A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the highly coveted sea glass trophies, crafted once again by local glass artist Ted Emrick of Emrick Studios. Big congratulations and heartfelt thank-yous go to the recipients of this year’s Local Luminary Awards, honoring organizations with a profound impact on the town: the Los Osos Library and Celebrate Los Osos, both recognized for decades of outstanding service to the community.”
Out on the water, the competition for the best float was fierce. The Most Creative Boat Award went to Bob Rice for his crazy, out-of-this-world UFO boat. The People’s Choice Award was awarded to Don Chartrand and Ted Emrick, who navigated an impressive Steelhead Trout boat in support of Creek Lands Conservation.
Special honorable mentions went to the delightful Dolly Parton Tribute boat and the inventive kids who successfully sailed a massive, actual carved-out pumpkin.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to share in the kindness, creativity, and connection on the bay,” Irving said. “We can’t wait to see what you all build for next year.”
