After last years absence, the 2014 San Pedro lighted boat parade came back with a bang. The organizing committee did a fabulous job of getting people involved and making it happen. For those of you that might not know, this event officially kicks off the Christmas season for San Pedro and is well worth putting on your Belize travel calendar.
I did not have to think twice (other than getting board approval) when Amanda and Christine teamed up and asked if San Pedro Red Cross would be in if they found us a boat – yes, please. Thankfully the big Belize Red Cross parade scheduled for the same day was postponed and we were able to give our full attention to the fantastic 35-foot boat we scored courtesy of Ambergris Divers.
I am starting with my favorite pic of the night and working my way back through the event. I chose this picture from the after party at Lola’s Pub as it reminds me of the moment I walked through the door with our big @ss boat trophy and certificates and the San Pedro Red Cross party people went wild. For me, that was a one many super fun special moments that day and I am thankful I can say were are too many to count that day.
After party at Lola’s
Photo bomb fun
A quick virgin Mule and it was time to dash back to the park in time for the Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to all the winners and the organizers for ll their hard work. This year’s winners were as follows: 1st place – Blue Water Grill’s Giant Shark,
2nd place – Isla Bonita Elementary School, 3rd place No Rush and The Phoenix Resort, Minister’s Award went to San Pedro Lions Club, Mayor’s Award went to San Pedro Red Cross.
I was very pleased to get a participation certificate (everyone did) and gift certificates from Fido’s and Estel’s. I was so surprised and super excited when I heard San Pedro Red Cross being called a second time to receive the Mayor’s Award.
Thanks to all the judges who voted San Pedro Belize Red Cross as winners – I hope you enjoyed your Christmas Present and tasty treats from Ruthy she is a magical chef.
Ambergris Divers boat crew and organizer Rebecca Arceo
Christine Syme handing out participation certificates
Prizes and participation certificate
After party in the park
I knew if anyone would get good night pics of my favorite boats, the dragon and it would be Karen Brodie Photography this next slideshow are a few of pictures. Thanks to all who decked the halls in the Annual San Pedro Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. Our boat really enjoyed seeing all of your beautifully decorated boats
Thanks also goes out to the San Pedro Community, Central Park pier was packed with spectators loving the parade. Parade watchers had their pick, there were so many many other on the parade route great viewing options between Wayos Bar and Caribbean Villas Hotel.
This years event was a huge success and the after party in the park has lots of actions aside from the awards ceremony. There were vendors and non-profit groups with an assortment of food and drink options and great people watching.
Best full moon pic of the night goes to Ruthie. Thanks, Mother Nature for your fabulous light show that night, watching the clouds drift around the moon was spectacular.
Who doesn’t love the full moon over the sea…ahhh by Ruthie Rinehart
For a different story about the San Pedro Lighted Boat Parade up check out We Lite it Up on Kendall Beymer’s Reset and Restore blog, If you have not checked out his blog yet, it is worth reading he is a good writer with an interesting point of view.
Big shout out to the Boat Parade organizers for getting us involved and finding us an awesome boat, Ambergris Diver’s or their boat and crew, DJ Matt, shoppers, Karen Brodie Photography, decorating and clean up elves.
My last pics are a slide show of events leading up to the parade, lots of prep work and thankfully a stuffed fried jack from Licks Beachside Cafe – thanks for the recommendation Mario and for letting us explode all over the upstairs of your restaurant.
