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Annual Boat Parade Draws Crowd

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By LAURA FRAZIER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2007

Updated: 12/06/2007 05:11 pm

RIVERVIEW - There are larger and more spectacular boat parades held annually in the Tampa Bay area, but spectators at Riverview's 24th annual lighted boat parade on Dec. 1 said the holiday event is hook, line and sinker a hometown favorite.

"It's just a fascinating, fun event, and the community absolutely loves it," said Kitty Cunningham, executive director of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, the parade's founding sponsor.

A dozen boats decked out in dazzling holiday finery launched into the Alafia River at Williams Park at dusk. The festive flotilla made its way upriver toward the U.S. 301 overpass, with boaters beeping and waving at revelers along the way. Many riverfront homeowners who live along the route have made it a tradition to throw backyard parties during the parade, Cunningham said.

The merry armada worked its way toward the Riverview Civic Center, where more than 1,000 people awaited its arrival. Some rushed to claim a seat in a portable grandstand set up at the riverfront park, and others flapped out blankets or set up lawn chairs on the park grounds. Parents picnicked, and children played catch and tag in the mild December weather. Riverview High School Choir members and Music Showcase students on an open-air stage treated the crowd to a medley of Christmas carols.

Inside the center's activity building, excited children lined up to have pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and hundreds of adults paid $5 each to sample 10 entries in a chili contest. Tasters' votes resulted in a tie between Rob Silver's "Dynamic Chili" and Dayman Baker's unnamed creation, dubbed by judges "Question Mark Chili."

Sherri Walker, a chamber board member who served chili at the contest, said the parade has endured for nearly a quarter-century because of its quaint, hometown feel.

Outside on the playground, David and Kathy Galusha looked after four of their grandchildren. While they waited for the boats to arrive, the children burned off energy by running in circles and climbing in and out of a wooden Santa's sleigh play set.

Kathy Galusha said she liked the idea of a kid-friendly atmosphere and outdoor venue. Just after 7 p.m., master of ceremonies Jeanie Bush announced by loudspeaker, "I think we have some boats coming down the river, y'all!"

The parade's lead boat - without lights because of a generator malfunction - pulled up to the dock, and chamber President Jim Johnson disembarked to join the panel of judges stationed there.

Twelve dazzlingly decorated vessels took turns gliding by the dock to strut their shine and wave to the cheering crowd.

Jaclyn and Kevin Gibson watched the floating light show with their three children on a blanket.

"I had a real good time here when I was a kid, so I wanted to bring my kids to see it," Kevin Gibson said.

Steve Menth took the $1,000 first-place prize for best lighted boat; Otis Montiero won the $300 second prize, and Sharon and Greg Zimmer took third place for the second year in a row, netting $200.

Before the night was over, Cunningham started talking up next year's parade, set for Dec. 6.

"It will be our 25th year, so we want to have 25 boats signed up in 2008," she said.

The Tampa Tribune was among event sponsors.

AND THE WINNER IS ...

Here are the winners in Riverview's 24th Annual Lighted Boat Parade:

FIRST: Steve Menth, $1,000

SECOND: Otis Montiero, $300

THIRD: Sharon and Greg Zimmer, $200

CHILI COOK-OFF

Votes of the chili tasters ended in a tie between Rob Silver's "Dynamic Chili" and Dayman Baker's unnamed creation, dubbed by judges "Question Mark Chili."

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523 or lfrazier@tampatrib.com.

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