Holiday spirits shines at Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

By Ian Swaby
| 11:40 a.m. December 16, 2024

The "Lotus" yacht arrives with a "Joy to SRQ" theme.

Sarasota
Neighbors

The banner "Joy to SRQ," found on the Lotus Yacht, summarized the concept of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, said Maiya and Stephen Gardner, the owners of the boat, which won first place in the category for private vessels 36 feet and over.

"We only see so much of it being on the boat," said Maiya Gardener. "It's actually more of a spectacle for people looking from land, so we're just happy to be a part of that experience and the joy, and the festive spirit."

For 38 years, the event, held on Dec. 14, has been organized by Suncoast Charities for Children.

Sienna Kohlbrecker and her husband Kyle Kohlbrecker, who brought their friends along on their boat themed after the film "Wicked," enjoy the parade so much they returned for a fourth year.

The boat won "most creative," as well as first place in the 21 to 35-foot private vessel category.

"The second he was announced, we all screamed, and then my husband jumped into the water, and it was very exciting moment," said Sienna Kohlbrecker. Kyle Kohlbrecker captained the boat.

Suncoast Charities for Children offered a chance for residents of The Haven, a nonprofit offering services to those with disabilities, to view the parade from the VIP viewing area at Marina Jack. The organization also holds a toy donation drive in conjunction with the parade, and this year was offered a $5,000 matching grant by the Reinhart Foundation, which was met that night.

"Day Dreaming" makes its way along the parade route.

"Seaduction" arrives, dwarfed in height by a Santa Claus balloon.

A line of boats approaches, with Shark Bait in front.

Sienna Kohlbrecker and her friend Emily Cintron were Glinda and Elphaba on the "Defying Gravity" boat themed after "Wicked."

"My Green Eyed Girl" offered a good cheer for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The "Merica" boat turns to reveal a Nativity scene.

Turtle Beach Grill shines brightly as it approaches.

The crew celebrates the holidays on "Santa's Sleigh on the Bay."

The boat "Seas the Kilt" featured an American theme.

The crew waves to parade viewers from the "Explorer 5."

Trevor Britz and his dog Kai wave to viewers from "Brown-Eyed Girl."

The holiday lights on LeBarge Tropical Cruises mix with the city lights.

A fireboat approaches on the parade route.

Santa Claus makes his appearance as the parade ends.

The "Lotus" yacht arrives with a "Joy to SRQ" theme.

The crew of the "Lotus" celebrates as the yacht makes its way along the parade route.

"Bound in Blue" approaches with a very green Grinch-themed display.

"Marvin Martian" makes its way along the parade route.

"Nautic Star" makes its way along the parade route.

A gingerbread man takes a plunge on the "Slip N' Slide" boat.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.