FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2018
Contact:
Genevieve Fong
619-814-2370 ext.10
gfong@cookandschmid.com
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Announces 2018 Theme: A Tropical Island Christmas
See one of San Diego’s most popular holiday celebrations on the Big Bay December 9 and 16
SAN DIEGO, CA —The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights announces the theme for its 2018 holiday boat parade – “A Tropical Island Christmas.”
“At this year’s event, the 47th Parade of Lights, participants will showcase their creative approaches to Christmas decor with an island-themed, warm-weather twist,” said Parade Chairman Larry Baumann. “Thousands of spectators will come to the bayfront to experience a unique lineup of boats with a bit of tropical flair in celebration of the holiday season.”
The dates for this year’s parade are December 9 and 16, 2018.
Presented by the Port of San Diego, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors together on the San Diego Bay waterfront each year. The procession of about 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of our region’s most iconic holiday events.
The parade route starts at Shelter Island and travels east past Harbor Island, then south along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Cesar Chavez Park before turning parallel with the Coronado Bridge to the west side of the bay. The parade then proceeds past Peohe’s to the finish line after passing the Ferry Landing. It takes about two hours to complete the trip and there are many comfortable waterfront viewpoints along the route.
A variety of prizes and awards are presented to the best decorated boats and those that best capture the parade’s theme. All participants will receive a participant plaque and are invited to the awards dinner held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse.
Viewing areas span across multiple areas of the San Diego Bay. Prepare for traffic and parking ahead of time. To ensure public safety, spectators are encouraged to use safe viewing practices. Please report any suspicious activity to the Harbor Police. The possession of open alcoholic beverages is prohibited along the parade viewing area. Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems are also prohibited. Be mindful of those around you, practice safety, and best of all, enjoy the parade!
For those interested in participating in the 47th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, join us at this year’s Lighting Seminar. Here, interested parade participants will learn about the latest in lighting for boats to help make a big impression on parade judges and the thousands of spectators. The seminar is free and will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at West Marine, 1250 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106.
The Presenting Sponsor for this year’s San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is the Port of San Diego. Also, this year’s Awards Banquet Sponsor is the USS Midway Museum and this year’s Grand Prize Sponsor is Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Those interested in sponsoring the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, can contact Joni Geis at 619-823-5220 or joni@boatlenderusa.com.
For more information and parade details, visit www.sdparadeoflights.org.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is sponsored by the Port of San Diego’s Tidelands Activation Program, designed to bring our dynamic waterfront alive with events that engage the community and inspire visitors to enjoy San Diego Bay.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored tradition brought to the San Diego Bay by the boating community. Each year, more than 80 lavishly decorated boats proceed around the San Diego Bay on two consecutive Sundays in December. For more information, please visit www.sdparadeoflights.org.
About the Port of San Diego’s Tidelands Activation Program:
Port of San Diego Experiences includes the Tidelands Activation Program (TAP). TAP awards grant funds and waives service fees to community organizations for public events along the waterfront that connect visitors and residents to new cultures and vibrant activities. Artistic and cultural exhibitions, along with exclusive interactive installations inspire visitors and residents to push the boundaries of creativity. Additionally, Port Experiences sponsors and hosts events across San Diego Bay, including organized runs, parades, cultural festivals, concerts and more.
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