The Toy Run boat, Just One More, captained by Jason Fry, was judged “Best Medium Pleasure Boat” in the Christmas Boat Parade. -Photo by Mike Hessong
Led by Santa’s sleigh and reindeer flying above the Coast Guard vessel, a parade of 26 lighted boats cruised down the Intracoastal Canal to the delight of onlookers both young and old on the perfect night of December 1st.
“I’m very pleased with the turn-out,” said Bill Tigrett, parade chairman. “We appreciate everyone who makes the considerable effort involved in a successful boat parade. Special thanks to the Toy Run boaters who decorate and participate after a long day on the water bringing toys to our children.”
Judges had a difficult time choosing the winners, but finally settled on: Best Overall: Doug Walker’s shrimp boat, Krystna Jo, with it’s “Margaritaville” theme; Best Commercial: Matagorda Pilot’s very colorful 43’ vessel; Best Large Pleasure Boat: Frank and Shari Gerking’s pink houseboat; Best Medium Pleasure Boat: Jason Fry’s 25’ Hydra Sport, Just One More; Best Small Pleasure Boat: Scott Wheat’s 24’ El Pescador, Miss Shelby; Most Unique: The Van Ostrand’s 26’ Regulator, Don’t Panic, with Santa hooking a shark; Most Spirited: Brett Nicholas’ 29’ Fountain; Distinguished Service Award: U.S. Coast Guard.
The Christmas Lighted Boat Parade is an annual event of the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber wishes to thank everyone who participated, and a special thanks to Kenneth and Grady Jean Clark for allowing their waterfront deck to be used again this year as a viewing platform for the judges.
Judges were Kenny and Dwana Finster, Joyce Jordan, Joyce Rhyne, Tania and Mac French, Holly Dyes, and Leah Griffin.
Best Overall - Doug Walker
Best Overall: Shrimpboat Krystna Jo Carolyn Kohuteka, Doug & Mary Jo Walker, Bernice & Jack Shell Not shown: Terry & Jason Shell & children, Stella Guitterez
Distinguished Service Award - U.S. Coast Guard
Coast Guard Crew
Best Commercial - Matagorda Pilots
Best Commercial: Matagorda Pilots Anthony Stringo, Cody Lynch Not pictured: David Adrian, Larry Robinson, Steve Gibson
Best Large Pleasure Boat - Frank Gerking
Best Large Pleasure Boat: the Gerking’s Pink Houseboat Frank Gerking, Kylie Gray, and Shari Gerking
Most Unique - Will Van Ostrand
Most Unique: the Van Ostrand’s “Don’t Panic” Will, Brandon, and Scott Van Ostrand, Tiffany Moore, Cass Coroiescu
Best Medium Pleasure Boat: “Just One More” Andrew Tatton, Stephanie May, Charles Tatton, Wendy & Jason Fry
Best Small Pleasure Boat: Scott Wheat’s “Miss Shelby” Scott & Kelly Wheat, Margaret Claiborne, Kathleen Cantu, Chuck Klein
Most Spirited: Brett Nicholas’ 29’ Fountain Brett Nicholas, Sarah Griffith, Amy Nicholas
Sorry, no Parade photos of Best Small Pleasure Boat – Scott Wheat and Most Spirited – Brett Nicholas
Boat Parade Photos Courtesy of Mike Hessong
Crew Photos by Bill Tigrett
2012 Lighted Boat Parade presented by Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce
Thanks for your participation!
