The team including Rick and Josie Bertie and Paul Christenson won second place overall and the award for best "docktail" at the Lighting of the Docks on Dec. 6 at Longboat Harbour.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Longboat Key
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Fog swirled atop the surface of Longboat Harbour the evening of Dec. 6, giving the sea of glimmering holiday lights an ethereal glow while island residents made their parade around the water's edge, judging this year's entries for the Lighting of the Docks.
Joyce Hecklau, head coordinator of the event, said, "Every year, it seems to get better and better."
Attendees agreed, noting that more people seemed to participate with even more elaborate displays than in the past.
The competition was tough, especially considering 56 docks were decorated.
Some entrants leaned on humor, featuring a fish-pole toting or sunglass-wearing, surfing inflatable Santa Claus. Others went for cute designs with classic characters from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and other popular media.
But nostalgia seemed to win the day, considering the dock with a working miniature train on a track circling a small Christmas tree was among viewers' favorites.
Attendees also helped support Toys for Tots with their donations.
Attendees at the Longboat Harbour Lighting of the Docks 2025 said this year's entries were the best they've seen so far.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Santa Claus, accompanied by Callen Finnigan, leads the parade of onlookers judging the entries in the Longboat Harbour Lighting of the Docks.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Longboat Harbour Lighting of the Docks attendees said they appreciated the vibrancy, creativity and intricacy of this year's decorations.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Pat Vecchio catches unsuspecting passersby with snowfall at the Lighting of the Docks on Dec. 6 at Longboat Harbour.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Santa Claus surfs into the holiday season off Longboat Harbour on Dec. 6 at the Lighting of the Docks.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Fran Risley and Carol and John Bruno witness snow on Longboat Key during the Lighting of the Docks.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Viewers of the Lighting of the Docks had to be wary not to get pulled into Longboat Harbour by the sea monster attacking one dock.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jerry Herrick, dressed like Santa Claus, wishes everyone a "Fleas Navidad" with his canine-themed dock at the Lighting of the Docks.
Photo by Dana Kampa
It was a foggy Lighting of the Docks at Longboat Harbour Condominiums.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Lighting of the Docks visitors said this detailed display was among their favorites for the 2025 festivities at Longboat Harbour.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Beverly Romansky, whose team won first place at the 2025 Lighting of the Docks, hands out snacks along the parade route.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Custom-made nutcracker statues keep watch over Longboat Harbour at the Lighting of the Docks.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Kakali Banerjee offers chocolatey treats to participants at the Lighting of the Docks.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Frosty adds to the glow of Longboat Harbour at the Lighting of the Docks.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Commodore Jeff Hecklau showcases the custom trophy that will display the name of the winners of this year's Lighting of the Docks on Longboat Harbour.
Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.
