Harbor boat parade ready to roll out

With a few entries already in, the Destin History and Fishing Museum is hoping to have 30 boats for the 30th annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade set for Sunday, Dec. 11.

“We already have a few boat entries in and a dozen or so that have expressed interest in the parade,” said Kathy Marler Blue of the Destin History and Fishing Museum.

Last year, the parade boasted 22 boats.

“I’d like to have 30 boats this year with it being our 30th anniversary,” Blue said.

The festivities will begin the afternoon of the Dec. 11 all along the harbor with boats lining up in the harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. The lighted boat parade will roll out at 6 p.m.

Judging of the boats will take place at Margaritaville with an awards presentation following. But not before HarborWalk Village lights up the sky with a firework display.

The parade can be viewed from the docks and restaurants west of the Grand Harbor condominium on Destin harbor.

The boat parade is open to all commercial, charter and private vessels. Entry forms can be picked up at the museum, Destin Community Center, City Hall, Destin Chamber of Commerce or many of the businesses along the harbor.

Entry fee is $25 per boat.

There will be awards in 10 categories: private boat 30 feet and under, private 31 feet and over, charter/commercial boat 30 feet and under, charter/commercial boat 31 feet and over, tour boat/motorized 50 feet and under, tour boat/motorized 50 feet and over, sailboat 30 feet and under, and sailboat 31 feet and over.

An additional award will go to the best overall boat entry.

The city of Destin is sponsoring an award to the boat that best showcases the harbor heritage.

In case of bad weather, the event will be held the following Sunday, Dec. 18.

For more information, call the museum at 837-6611 or email kathydestinhistory@gmail.com