The 49th annual Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade to be held on Sunday, December 11.  The Boat Parade, which is co-sponsored by the City of Pompano Beach, starts at Lake Santa Barbara before traveling north on the Intracoastal Waterway, making its way through Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach and ending in Deerfield Beach. Best of all the Holiday Parade is FREE to enter and watch.

“Members of the local boating community are the reason the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade has been around for 49 years,” said Gwen Leys, the chair of the 2011 edition of the City’s oldest continuous holiday tradition.  “There is no charge to enter,” Leys continued.  “We are proud to be the free, fun and easy boat parade.”

Each year thousands of spectators line the five-mile route along the Intracoastal Waterway to view the hometown spectacular of glitz, glamour, creative costumes, special effects and music.  The Holiday Boat Parade, which starts from Lake Santa Barbara at 6:30PM, transforms the waterway into a glistening showcase featuring sparkling small outboards, stoic sailboats and majestic luxury yachts.

The Grand Marshalls for this year’s parade are Miami Heat star NBA basketball player and Pompano Beach resident Mike Miller and Rachel Wheeler, an 11-year old who over two years has raised in excess of $175,000 to build homes in earthquake ravaged Haiti through Coconut Creek based “Food for the Poor.”

The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber welcomes businesses and residents as well as sponsors for this year’s parade.  All participants will not only enjoy the thrill of the parade, but an invitation to the pre-boat party given every year.  The Holiday Boat Parade, considered the oldest continuous Holiday Boat in the country, is a tradition that draws sightseers from all over the country.

To participate, just pick up a registration form at The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, 2200 East Atlantic Blvd.

Captains that pre-register and attend the pre-event safety meeting at the Isle Casino Pompano Park will receive a commemorative t-shirt as well as chances to win special door prizes. The Isle Casino Pompano Park is located on Powerline Road south of Atlantic Blvd.  Trophies for the winners will be presented at a special event in January 2012 at Oceans 234 on A1A in Deerfield.

If you are interested in riding on a boat the parade, you can join the party with the Grand Marshall’s on one of the lead boats, the Musette.  For $55 per person, plus 6% tax, you can enjoy the holiday view from the water. The price includes a buffet dinner, four-hour open bar, music and an unforgettable evening. The Musette will depart from Two Georges at the Cove, Deerfield Beach with boarding beginning at 5PM. All tickets must be paid for in advance and there are no refunds and no exceptions.  For tickets call (561) 791-9686 or (855) Musette (687-3883) or visit www.musettecharter.com.

The Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade committee that plans one of the Chamber’s most exciting and enjoyable annual events is still seeking sponsorships for the parade and Captains’ Party.

For further information on sponsorship and boat participation please call the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce at (954) 941-2940, visit their website www.pompanobeachchamber.com or email Lisa Spinelli at Lspinelli@pompanobeachchamber.com