One of the highlights for Charlotte County each and every year is the lighted boat parade. In fact, it is so popular that there are actually two different parades separated by 1-2 weeks. For those of you who have never heard of a lighted boat parade, it is quite the spectacle and party. In 2007, there were over 30 registered boats. Each of these boats took the time (sometimes months) to decorate their boats with Christmas lights. Some boats have 4 or 5 strings of lights from bow to aft. Some have full scenes depicted by dancing and flashing lights affixed to every conceivable part of the boat. Leaping whales, Santa flying, Palm Trees swaying and the Grinch removing his sunglasses are all scenes from past parades. Needless to say, a boat decorated with lights depicting a scene of Santa being led by dolphins following 30 others with similar fun scenes creates quite the party - on the shore and in the boats.
The first parade starts in the Edgewater Lake area and crosses Charlotte Harbor to the Isles Yacht Club. Fisherman's Village, Gilchrist Park, Jamaica Way and every vacant lot along the way tend to be packed with people watching the boats go by. The second parade traverses through the canals of Punta Gorda Isles. The same boats usually appear in both parades.
If you are just planning a visit or are thinking about moving to the area, make sure to check out the lighted boat parade. It is truly a unique affair that definitely brings the community together in a positive way.
Learn more about Punta Gorda.
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