JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite concerns about possible rain, boaters lit up the St. Johns River on Saturday for the annual Light Boat Parade.
Thousands of people filled the Southbank to see the boats and fireworks light up the St. Johns River.
Boats of all sizes sported decorations of all kinds from Christmas trees and stars to all sorts of light arrangements.
About 70 boats participated.
Some people said it’s a new family tradition for them.
“We were the Christmas tree last year and we decided we needed to defend our title as the reigning sailboat champions,” Katy Morris, a participant, said. “So we had to come back.”
The parade launched at 6 p.m. with the route beginning at the Ford on Bay and following the Northbank Riverwalk to the Fuller Warren Bridge. The parade then looped around just beyond the Fuller Warren Bridge before crossing over to the south bank and following along the Southbank Riverwalk to the Duval County School Board building.
Thousands of people watched fireworks from the Southbank, pointing to another successful year.
In the past, the city used to do its tree light on Thanksgiving weekend.
Now, the tree lighting will take place on Dec. 7 during Art Walk at James Weldon Johnson Park across from City Hall.