95 years strong can’t be wrong

Newport Beach does not necessarily conjure up wintertime images.

The beaches and the harbor are best enjoyed in the warm summer

months, most will tell you.

But those who say that haven’t spend much time watching the

Christmas Boat Parade, which just kicked off its 95th year on

Wednesday night.

As legend has it, the parade was once dubbed by the New York Times

as one of the five top holiday events in the nation. Each year, it

has lived up to that reputation, and this year we don’t expect it to

be any different.

It’s an event that can be enjoyed by young and old, rich and poor,

Republican or Democrat.

All you need is a little holiday spirit and a love for the ocean.

It’s no wonder the Christmas Boat Parade has been popular for

nearly a century.

When gondolier John Scarpa dreamed up his Tournament of Lights 95

years ago, it’s hard to imagine that he foresaw what a tradition it

would become.

But it has become something special. The parade is more than just

a string of boats making merry in the harbor. It’s a Newport Beach

icon and a major boost to the local economy.

More than a million people are expected to attend the parade and

watch from local shores.

The parade makes up for a large chunk of the annual revenues for

local restaurants that will be packed to the gills with visitors

eager to get a look at the colorful water display.

So as this year’s parade kicks off, we urge you all to take a few

minutes out of your busy schedule and plan a trip to the harbor.

Take the family and sneak a peak at some of the biggest and

brightest boats and homes that ring the harbor. If that holiday

spirit is lagging, this is the sure cure.

Happy holidays and happy sailing.