Holiday spirit sails through Sarasota Bay

The floating parade featured an extended route and viewing areas.

  • By Anna Brugmann
  • | 10:18 p.m. December 11, 2016
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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The sound Christmas carols wafted over the water of Sarasota Bay on Saturday, Dec. 10 as the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights neared Bayfront Park, but one tune resonated with paradegoers more than others — “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

The Bayfront Park crowd braced itself against the wind blowing over the bay as they waited patiently for a glimpse of the festive vessels.

The 31st annual parade of lights included an additional turn to the southwest of Bayfront Park and extended viewing at the northern portion of the island.

“Santa” relaxes on a jet ski before the parade begins.
“Santa” relaxes on a jet ski before the parade begins.
A boat in the Bayfront Park Marina was decorated like a Christmas tree.
A boat in the Bayfront Park Marina was decorated like a Christmas tree.
Joel and Carol Klein wait for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Joel and Carol Klein wait for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Layla Parsons smiles after getting settled on her father’s shoulders.
Layla Parsons smiles after getting settled on her father’s shoulders.
Layla Parsons waits for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Layla Parsons waits for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Sam and Pat Towell watched the parade from Bayfront Park.
Sam and Pat Towell watched the parade from Bayfront Park.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.

 

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