Make Plans Now to attend the annual Lighted Boat Parade on December 7, 2013

by Donna Pyle, POC Chamber of Commerce

A long time Port O’ Connor tradition, the Lighted Boat parade is held in conjunction with the Annual Toy Run from Freeport to Port O’Connor. After delivering their boat loads of toys, Toy Run participants then decorate their boats and join local boaters in the lighted boat parade on the ICW. Rain or Shine the parade goes on. Port O’Connor Chamber would love to have you participate. You too can be a part of this annual event and its “free” to anyone who would like to participate. The Port O’Connor Chamber gives cash awards for top entries.

Categories are: Best Overall; Most Spirited; Most Unique; Best Commercial; Best Large Pleasure; Best Medium Pleasure and Best Small Pleasure craft.

All boats and equipment must meet minimum Coast Guard requirements and boat representatives must attend a Safety & Rules meeting that is held at 5:30 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2013, prior to lining up for the parade. Parade route is from around Larry’s Harbor to past Caracol.

Registration forms for the Boat Parade are available from Boat Parade Chairman, Bill Tigrett at bill@tigrett.com; 361.983.2671 or the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce at poccc@tisd.net; and inside this issue of Dolphin Talk.

Bring a lawn chair to any of the bait shops in Port O’Connor or Caracol to watch the parade. It truly is a unique experience and one that you will come back to every year. If you decide to watch the parade at Caracol, remember to bring a lawn chair and leave the adult beverages at home.

So just come and spend a little winter time in Port O’Connor where there is a slower pace and smaller crowds, Port O’Connor is the “Best Kept Secret on the Coast”. The shops, motels and restaurants are open. Winter fishing is still good; enjoy bird watching, duck hunting, or just relax with a good book and look at the water.