Hundreds of folks lined the Morro Bay waterfront for the Annual Lighted Boat Parade, held Dec. 7 on a calm and un-seasonably warm night. The folks who gathered on the South T-pier were treated to a joint concert with the Morro Bay White Caps Band and the SLO County Band, joining together to play Christmas favorites. The Women for Fisheries sold hot cocoa and coffee, as well as home-baked cookies and T-shirts and sweatshirts.
The parade featured boats small and large, motorboats, pontoon boats, a gondola, a speed race boat, and of course fishing boats.
The Dos Osos whale-watching catamaran was decked out in lights in the shape of a whale, complete with a waterspout of light. The Lost Isle Tiki Boat and Capt. Stew’s pontoon boat both looked spectacular with their lights.
Several of the boats had huge blow-up figures — reindeer, snowmen, and one super cool “Abominable Snowman” from the old Rudolph cartoon on TV.
New Councilman Jeff Eckles announced and described the boats as they passed by the judges at the Morro Bay Yacht Club. First Prize of $500 went to the “Little Miss Magic” operated by Captain Tabby Stamback of Morro Bay Landing, Morro Bay. The $350 Second Prize went to the “Bonnie Marietta” operated by Captain Mark Tognazzini of Dockside, Morro Bay. And Third Prize of $150 went to Captain Ryan Evans of Atascadero. The judges were Parade Chair, Dan Costley; Ron Casey from Virg’s Landing; Yacht Club Commodore Charlie Robets; Mayor Carla Wixom; and Rotary President John Weiss of Coast Electronics.
While the Bay was filled with thousands of glittering, colorful lights everywhere, Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted a never-ending line of children, parents, and dogs at the Rotary Santa House. Complimentary photos with Santa were given to families along with each child choosing a gift to take home with them.
