Sarasota decks the hulls for Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

When Mike Bishop discovered that his family had decked out the Cruisin’ Tikis boat with red, white and blue holiday decor, it came as a surprise to him, despite being a captain in the Air Force Reserve, in which he has served for 22 years. 

The display, a salute to the U.S. armed forces, was one way in which the teams of 27 boats brought their creativity to the forefront for the 37th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights held in support of Suncoast Charities for Children.

“You don't realize how much your family and friends respect what you do on a daily basis and when you see a tribute like this; it is really cool,” said Bishop, who co-owns the franchise with his stepfather Bill Hogan. 

Bishop noted that veterans from all branches would be excited for the display. 

The family said it wasn’t until they acquired the franchise, which centers on the concept of a floating tiki hut, in 2022, that the boat became part of parade, something they came to realized was important to the community.

“When you see rows and rows and rows of people, that's when you really get goosebumps,” said Bishop. “You’re like, man, this is really cool, this is a big deal.”

Some displays also revealed a less serious side. 

The Springhetti family modeled their yacht after their favorite Christmas movie, "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation." 

The display included an inflatable of a car transporting a Christmas tree, a model of Clark Griswold hanging from his gutter, a miniature Santa Claus and sled representing objects from the film, and Cousin Eddie costumes for all, who took to the deck of the boat with dancing.

What’s the secret to bringing it all together? 

According to John Springhetti, a whole team is involved in the assembly and during the parade, with friends Greg and Julie Brownell and Larry and Elizabeth Wilson pitching in alongside him, his wife Anne Springhetti and daughter Claire Springhetti, and her boyfriend Colin Schweigert.

There are also a lot of zip ties needed.

“Last year, we used so many zip ties that in June, I was still washing the boat and finding the zip ties in the corners of the boat,” he said. 

Behind the creativity, however, was a cause, with the event benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children, including a toy drive hosted alongside the parade. 

As it does each year, the event offered the ability for 30 special needs individuals who live at The Haven, a nonprofit agency supported by the charity, to sit in a special section of the VIP area to enjoy the parade and a visit from Santa Claus. 

“The special part is getting to see the clients from the Haven come out to this event for free and seeing their faces light up,” said Director of Special Events Lisa Baer.