2011 Palm Beach
Holiday Boat Parade

A premier event of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and gift to the community, the 2011 Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade kicks off the holiday season this year on Saturday, December 3.

What:
17th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and 12th Annual U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Drive

Where:
A 15-mile parade led by a traveling fireworks display navigates up the Intracoastal Waterway, winding through seven municipalities, from Peanut Island to the Jupiter Lighthouse.

When:
Saturday, December 3. Parade begins at 6 p.m., departing from the east side of Peanut Island, and arrives in Jupiter at approximately 9 p.m.

The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade benefits the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots organization. Each year, the MIAPBC has been able to grow the amount of toys they receive the previous year, exceeding their goal of 15,000 new, unwrapped toys for needy children in Palm Beach County. This event collects more toys for Toys for Tots than any other single event in the county!

Toy donations can be dropped off at dozens of local area collection points or be picked up dockside during the parade. Just wave a flashlight when you see a passing red or yellow towboat, or a volunteer vessel with a flashing amber beacon.
Tens of thousands of spectators came out to enjoy the procession of approximately 50 decorated vessels sparkling on the Intracoastal Waterway beneath a backdrop of fireworks put on by Pyrotecnico. This year’s extravaganza promises to provide the same entertainment.

Winners of the parade are classified by boat size, whether they are pleasure or corporate entries, and best overall. Judging, which takes place at the North Palm Beach Marina, is based on a few different factors: lights/decorations, enthusiasm, and overall effort. Dozens of valuable prizes are given away to the top three finishers in each category, but the top prize for ‘Best of Parade’ is $500 cash. Judges include elected officials and community leaders from the municipalities along the parade route.

Parade participants are also encouraged to show off their decorated vessels on Thursday, December 1 in conjunction with the annual tree-lighting Clematis by Night festivities in Downtown West Palm Beach. The general public will get a chance to walk the downtown docks, view all of the boats on display, and vote by ballot for their favorite decorated vessel. Prizes sponsored by Canvas & Towers to the top three best decorated boats.

Sponsorship is still available and can accommodate every budget. It is important to have community support for this event to continue to make it successful, so we even offer individual/family sponsorships starting at $50 that includes a listing on our website and tickets to Palm Beach International Boat Show!

Toys for Tots Donations

Toy collection boxes will be delivered throughout the community the first week of November and picked up beginning November 28, unless prior arrangements are made for post-parade pickup. Collection sites will receive local publicity and your business will be listed on the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade website.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Due to weather, winds, tides and currents we cannot predict the EXACT time bridges along the parade route will be going up and down. Here are our best estimates based on past parades.

Parker Bridge
Will open sometime between 6:30 and 6:45. Our permit allows for a 1 hour opening.

PGA Bridge
Will open sometime between 7:00 and 7:30. Our permit allows for a 45 minute opening.

Donald Ross Bridge
Will open sometime between 7:45 and 8:15. Our permit allows for a 45 minute opening.

Indiantown Road Bridge
Will open sometime between 8:30 and 8:45. Our permit allows for a 45 minute opening.

Jupiter Federal Highway Bridge
Will open at approximately 8:45. Our permit allows for a 45 minute opening.