SAN DIEGO, CA – The 44th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a long-standing tradition in the San Diego Bay presented by the Port of San Diego, would not be possible without our generous sponsors. Their support and sponsorship allows the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights to light up the Bay year after year.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights’ Awards Dinner, held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on January 6, 2016, was sponsored by the USS Midway Museum. Scotts Landing, the “Best of Parade” award winner, walked away with the “Star of India” Perpetual Cup.

“The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is an experience unmatched because of the fun we have with our friends that volunteer to help decorate, as well as the shoreline audience’s positive reaction to our boat’s design,” said Jeanne Scott, owner of Scotts Landing and annual participant. “Winning ‘Best of Parade’ is the big reward for all of the time and effort involved.”

Boats that participated in both nights of this year’s parade were eligible to win this year’s grand prize, a Star Clippers cruise for two to one of their idyllic sailing destinations; Caribbean, Mediterranean and Thailand. “This was my first parade of lights and I never expected to win anything, much less a seven night Caribbean cruise on Royal Clipper later this year,” said Jason Mazzoni, winner of the Star Clippers cruise. “I had a great group of friends on both the 13th and 20th and everyone loved the front row seat to see the incredible Christmas spirit in the tight-knit boating community, here in San Diego. We can’t wait to see you all out again next year, and share tales of my adventure with Star Clippers!”

This year’s “Best in Theme” award went to Dolphin. The “Best in Theme” sponsor, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, donated a 5-night getaway package to the five-star Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort. “My wife and I never even considered winning anything from our participation in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights because it is a tradition that we greatly enjoy and hope continues for many more years. We believe our prize, year after year, is taking at risk kids on the boat to enjoy an evening to remember with their friends and families,” said John Alvarado, creator of the Good Neighbor Project of San Diego which offers inner-city youths and their families an opportunity to participate in local events and fishing programs. “We are beyond excited to go to Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort to relax and explore, as well as celebrate our never taken honeymoon.”

Every year, our volunteers are entered into a raffle to win a seven night cruise on Holland America Line. “We celebrated our 50th anniversary aboard Holland America Line sailing around the south Caribbean,” said Tom and Toni Dean, past winners. “The ship was immaculate, the crew was great and we went ashore in every port where we enjoyed various tours around the beautiful islands. Perfect weather, boat, entertainment, accommodations and of course food!”

We also want to thank Seaport Village and Maritime Museum of San Diego for their sponsorship.