December 6, 2016
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA — Each year, boaters decorate their boats and converge on the James River for a parade that marks the beginning of the holiday season. Presented by the James River Advisory Council, this free event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 6-9 p.m. From 6,000-8,000 people are expected to gather at the viewing sites to see the boats and enjoy the holiday entertainment.
The Richmond Region viewing sites include Libby Hill Park, Osborne Park and Boat Landing, Dutch Gap Boat Landing and Henricus Historical Park. The parade follows a 14-mile parade route from City of Richmond to the Varina-Enon Bridge. The boats gather at 5:45 p.m. at Libby Hill Park, and there is a countdown to the illumination at 6 p.m. The parade will end at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Henricus Historical Park.
The boats will be judged and prizes awarded in four categories:
- Prize awarded for the best theme.
- Prize awarded for the most original display.
- Prize awarded for the best appearance on the water.
- Price awarded for the most charming display or the one with the wow factor.
- The boat with the highest combined score will receive the prize for best in the parade.
In addition, a best novice and runner-up novice awards will be presented to the best of the first-time entries. There also will be a special award for the marina with the most participating boats.
