The forecast called for wind gusts over 40 knots, Dec. 19, the night of Friday Harbor’s lighted boat parade. They were not incorrect. Some brave souls waited patiently on the docks, but many people huddled inside the shelter area of the Spring Street dock, where the Port handed out hot cider and cookies.

Bill Severson, commodore of the Friday Harbor Sailing Club knew it would be a rough night, and waited til the last minute to decide to brave the journey. Severson and his crew were the only boat in the parade this year.

“It can be scary even when its a calm night, due to visibility,” Severson said. “So many captains may have seen the forecast and opted not to risk it.”

As it turned out, Severson, his wife Laura Jo Severson, and one other couple made up the crew that was the lone boat of the parade that night, followed by the sheriff’s boat which carried Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to the dock where they handed out treats to children and families who remained through the weather.

“When we went by the Spring Street dock and saw all the people cheering, it made it all worth while,” Severson said. “Count me in for next year!”