PARADE-ISE: A journey through pictures (PHOTO GALLERIES)

Destin was on parade this weekend.

For photos from the Holiday on the Harbor Destin boat parade, click here.

For photos from the Holly Jolly Chrimstmas land parade, click here.

Christmas celebrations in Destin were rocking in the harbor and rolling by on U.S. 98 over the weekend, bringing with them all of the joy of the season.
Holly Jolly Christmas parade on Saturday morning was a successful event organized by the Destin Community Center. Lisa Firth, recreation manager, said that there was a total of 78 floats in the land procession. There were 104 entries last year.
Remembering to help those in need, parade participants donated a “truckload” of food and toys for Harvest House.
In the long line of Holly Jolly Christmas floats, the city council members took the day off from decision making to cut loose as Destinites do.
School spirit was in full supply as the Destin Middle School athletic teams, band and cheerleaders rolled down the road rooting for the Marlins. Fort Walton Beach High School Band marched in to tie the DMS band for the Noel Award.
The Grinch tried to steal the show, but he was upstaged by the shiny Corvettes and a likely impersonation of the Beatles.
Miss Destin Leah Stuart waved and flashed her signature smile from a white Porsche convertible. Also looking good were the pugs getting hugs by their adoring owners.
A net was the way to go for catching the candy and beads flying overhead.
Soon, Destinites scurried home to rest up for more Christmas fun on the harbor.

Parade festivities continued on Sunday. Mayor Craig Barker officially kicked off the boat parade when he told the crowd to “start your engines!”
A very merry Holiday on the Harbor was put together by the Destin History and Fishing Museum. Twenty-six twinkling boats circled the harbor for a packed crowd that was just the right size for the show.
Rudolph poised the bow of Destin Cruise to guide Capt. Frank Kaegi and crew through the harbor, as the friends and family of Capt. Cliff Atwell belted out cheery carols on the Southern Star.
At HarborWalk, children got their faces painted, shoppers strolled the village and an excited Peter Bos blended in to mingle with the guests.
Destinite and museum volunteer Dotty Bingham was all smiles at Harry T’s. Though it wasn’t Bingham’s first boat parade, she bubbled as she waited for it to begin. “This is going to be so much fun!” she told The Log.
Ezra Elliott, 3, of Fort Walton Beach, and his sisters Jada, 6, and Evah, 2, waved and shouted “Merry Christmas” to Petty Officers John Benny, Mike Zubillaga and Alex Pumo and Fireman Daelyn Chaney on U.S. Coast Guard 41307, as they brought up the rear of the parade.
Sisters Summer Schutte, 4, and Savanna, 5, completed their weekend at the Holiday on the Harbor after having Breakfast with Santa at Butler Elementary School on Saturday. Parents Bob and Shelli from Miramar Beach, held their daughters tight as BlueRunner II made its final pass. “Is that baby Jesus on the front of the boat,” Bob pointed out to little Savanna. “Make sure you wave here.”

2008 A Holly Jolly Christmas Parade Awards and Sponsors
The Angel Award for the best religious entry went to Village Baptist Church, sponsored by Beach Community Bank. The Chamber Award for the best commercial float was a tie: Designscapes, sponsored by the Destin Chamber of Commerce, and the RE/MAX Southern Realty/Southern Paradise Homes float sponsored by Destin Trophy. The Civic Award went to Krewe of Bowlegs, sponsored by the Fort Walton Beach Chamber. The Noel Award was also a tie for the best band: FWB High School Band, sponsored by AAA Ventures and the Destin Middle School Band, sponsored by the Destin Recreation Department. The Santa’s Helper Award for the best children’s commercial entry went to Tippy Toes Pro Dance & Cheer Studio, also sponsored by Destin Trophy. The Elf Award for the best children’s non-profit float went to DMS Dazzlers Dance Team, sponsored by Jim Liufau State Farm Insurance. Hurlburt Field 1st Special Operations Wing, sponsored by the Realty Firm, brought home the Crowd Pleaser Award. Finally, the Grand Marshal Award for the best overall float went to Destin Assembly of God, sponsored by Mike Cheney of Allstate Insurance.

2008 Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade Winners
The charter commercial winner in the over 31 feet category was Justin Time, with BlueRunner II coming in second. The winner under 30 feet was Destin Cruise. The private vessel over 31 feet winner was Jenny’s Tonic, and Hallie coming in second. The private entries under 30 feet first place win went to Just Right Too, followed by Round 2 IT in second. Hannah Marie won the tour boat category, with Southern Star pulling up in a close second. The winning private sailboat was Indefatigable. The Grand Prize of all the entries went to Jenny’s Tonic for accumulating the most points during judging. The crew took home a three-foot trophy with the Holiday on the Harbor logo, donated by MeLasers of Destin.