Community gathers for Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade
-By Dick Mason
Thousands of people gathered along piers and crowded bay view restaurants at the waterfront to watch the annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Boats of all sizes from large commercial fishing vessels to tiny kayaks took part, all brightly decorated.
It is always fun to see the different holiday themes each vessel comes up with in their quest for the annual awards. Good viewing points are available from Tidelands Park in the south to Morro Rock in the north. For next year, visitors can reserve seating in many of the restaurants along the Embarcadero and enjoy a great meal while watching the parade. The event began approximately at 6 p.m. but it is always good to arrive early to find an ideal viewing spot.
About two dozen boats took part in the Christmas tradition. Two sailing yachts, several large canon cruisers and a half-dozen illuminated people paddling stand- up boards joined other vessels cruising through Morro Bay.