Port O’Connor’s Lighted Boat Parade : Dolphin Talk

Port O’Connor’s Lighted Boat Parade

Archived in the category: Events, General Info

Posted by Joyce Rhyne on 19 Dec 13 - 0 Comments

Aerial display by Team Marsh

Once again, another successful Lighted Boat Parade! Our community and out of town looks forward to and really enjoys this unique event, and this year was no exception! But it couldn’t happen without the support and commitment of countless sponsors and volunteers.

First, I would like to thank Kenneth and Grady Jean Clark, and Henry Anderson, for allowing the use of the old Clark’s Restaurant. The group enjoyed being indoors for the boat registration, Captains meeting, dinner and awards presentations. Without the use of this facility we would have been out in the cold and dark! So thank you again!

Thank you, Don and Sheryl Haynes and your group, for proving the excellent barbecue dinner we’ve all come to love!

Next I would like to thank Paul McGee for organizing the transportation for the unloading of the toys and assisting the participants to their lodging. I would also like to thank the Caracol Subdivision Developers for allowing us the use of the grounds, and Joe Rivera and his crew for erecting the tent, for the judges. And thank you, Coast Guard, for your service.
Thank you Brandy Perkins and Ann Townsend for helping to get all the advertisements and flyers out.

Thank you POC Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors for your continued support of the lighted boat parade. Can you believe this is its 22nd year? Special thanks to Mary Jo Walker, and her assistants, for setting up the facilities. Thank you also for your uncanny ability to address and overcome last minute challenges!

Of course I would especially like to think the judges, Kenny and Dwana Finster, Bill and Donna Pyle, Joe and Vera Wyatt, for volunteering their time and braving the bone-chilling weather!

And finally, Jerry Karnes, Jason and Wendy Fry, and all the other participants in the “Toy Run” boat escapade, thank you for all you do! Every year…regardless of the weather…as you tell us “The show must go on!” You generous hearts and Christmas spirit are an inspiration to us all. And the surprises you bring to our Calhoun County children are over the top!

Bill Tigrett

Bill Tigrett, with help of the Coast Guard, conducts the Captains Meeting

Boat Parade Photos by Mike Hessong

A big “Thank You” to all who braved the cold weather to participate in the Annual Lighted Boat Parade:

Colton Prlka and Crew          Andrew Mikkelsen and Crew
Bubba Goodwin and Crew                  Keith Dodds and Crew
Jason Fry and Crew                              Chad Trueheart and Crew
Scott Wheat and Crew                         Daniel Phillips and Crew
William Van Ostrand and Crew        McGuirt Hunter and Crew
Jerry Karnes and Crew                        Cass Coroiesca and Crew
Jimmy Hall and Crew                          Chris Wolf and Crew