Destin looking for parade participants — on land and sea

The 27th Annual Destin Christmas Parade is now accepting applications for floats and participants. This year's theme is Christmas Past, Present and Future!

The parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. beginning at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center at Hwy. 98 and Main St. and will proceed down Harbor Blvd. to Stahlman Ave.

Everyone is invited to be a part of this festive tradition and show support to all community organizations and individuals participating in this year's parade!

Applications for participation in the parade are due to the Community Center no later than Nov. 30. In lieu of an entry fee, each entry must make a donation of toys and drop them off with application at the Community Center.

If you have questions, please call the Community Center at 654-5184 or email christmasparade@cityofdestin.com.

Boat Parade

The Destin History and Fishing Museum will be hosting the 26th Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade Sunday, December 9, 2012. Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the Harbor and the Lighted Boat Parade and judging will start at 6 P.M. upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant.

Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 PM. Mark your calendar and plan to add this event to your holiday activities. The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums on Destin Harbor. A fireworks show donated by HarborWalk Village will light up the sky at the end of the boat parade. All commercial, charter, and private boats are invited to help light up the Harbor with the true Destin spirit.

You may pick up an entry form in person at the Museum, Destin Community Center, City Hall, Destin Chamber of Commerce, or many Harbor businesses. You may also request a fax or email copy by calling the Destin History and Fishing Museum at 850-837-6611 or email kathydestinhistory@gmail.com. There is a $25 entry fee per boat. There will be awards in eight categories: private 30 ft. and under, private 31 ft. and over, charter/commercial boat 30 ft. and under, charter/commercial boat 31 ft. and over, tour boat/motorized, sailboat 30 ft. and under, sailboat 31 ft. and over and “Restaurant Sponsored Vessel”. Prizes will be awarded in each category.

An additional award will go to the Best Overall lighted 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 on Sunday, December 16.