- April 27, 2024
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Claire Springhetti assembles lights spelling the words "Christmas Vacation" across the back of Atlantic Attitude, captained by her father John Springhetti.
Photo by Ian SwabyA model of Clark Griswold hangs from Atlantic Attitude captained by John Springhetti.
Photo by Ian SwabyTom Sweat, Brittany Pecora, Captain Bill Hogan, Marsha Bishop, Jessica Bishop, and Mike Bishop aboard Tuff Tiki
Photo by Ian SwabyNadia McKinnon, a resident of The Haven, meets Santa Claus.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of the Sarasota Police Department initiate the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyGuests on LeBarge Tropical Cruises throw a party along the parade route.
Photo by Ian SwabyBrown Eyed Girl, captained by Cooper Tholmes, gives a wave to the audience.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe Lotus yacht captained by Casey Hovey makes its way along the parade route.
Photo by Ian SwabyAmbra Andrine hangs in a lyra aboard My Best Life, captained by Kyle Fraley.
Photo by Ian SwabyNothin' to Plunder, captained by Kyle Kohlbrecher, offers some swashbuckling action.
Photo by Ian Swaby"Reindeer" dance aboard Radiant II, captained by Zac Oppenheim.
Photo by Ian SwabyLarry Wilson, dressed as as Cousin Eddie as seen in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," waves the crowds aboard Atlantic Attitude, captained by John Springhetti.
Photo by Ian SwabyWhen 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.
