Christmas Lighted Boat Parade to Change Course

The Parker Area Chamber of Commerce and the BlueWater Resort & Casino will host the Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, November 29, 2008. This year's parade will reverse course, starting at the BlueWater Resort Casino and heading north along the Colorado River.

The Lighted Boat Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m., where participants will gather at the BlueWater Resort Marina. Entries will be judged in the marina and awards will be distributed there before the float begins.

"Over the past couple of years, fewer boats are making the entire trek from River Lodge to the finish at the BlueWater. Depending on the prevailing winds and the weather, some boats were arriving as late as 9:00 p.m. or not at all, so we decided to try starting at the BlueWater so the kids can see the boats earlier," said Randy Hartless, Executive Director of the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce.

The lighted boats will gather at the BlueWater Resort & Casino Marina, where Santa Claus will be waiting to greet area children. Santa will be taking free photos and handing out treats from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Parade entries will be judged in five categories: Best Large Boat; Best Small Boat; Best R.V. Park Boat; Best Business Boat and Best Club/Organization Boat. The winners in each category will receive a $50 cash prize and a trophy. The entry judged Best Overall will receive a $250 cash prize and a trophy. Registration for the Lighted Boat Parade is free of charge.

The CRIT Theaters will join the fun this year by presenting the film "The Polar Express" on a big screen following Santa's departure at 7:00 p.m. The film will be shown at the BlueWater Resort Amphitheater. Admission is free, but bundle up because it will be chilly!

Sponsors of the event include the BlueWater Resort & Casino, Arizona Public Service, KLPZ 1380 AM Country, The Plantation, the Sunrise Rotary Club as well as several other local sponsors. For more information call the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce at (928) 669-2174.