“A Community Afloat” is the theme of this year’s Opening Day Boat Parade sponsored by the San Juan Island Yacht Club. Visualize a 4th of July parade, but on the water. The parade will be held Sunday, May 1 at 2:15 p.m., with boats passing by Spring Street Landing and the Port of Friday Harbor Marina.
Boats of any size, whether power, sail, or human-powered, are eligible to enter the parade. Prizes will be awarded in four categories: most creative display of the theme; nautical display of traditional signal flags; classic wooden boat; and commercial. Registration is free, but entrants must register and receive a number to be in the parade. To register, contact www.sjiyc.com. The port of Friday Harbor is giving a free night of moorage on either Saturday, April 30 or Sunday, May 1 to all parade entrants. To reserve a place, call harbormaster Tami Hayes at 378-2688, or contact tamih@portfridayharbor.org.
The Parade Awards Ceremony will be held at the San Juan Island Yacht Club, 273 Front Street, at 4:30 p.m. Boat parade participants, skippers and crews are welcome to stay for a steak and prawn dinner ($20/person) after the awards ceremony, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Mike Close will announce the parade on the dock at Spring Street Landing. Sheriff Ron will serve as Grand Marshall.
Parade and Dinner registration information is posted at www.sjiyc.com. Contact: Bill Robinson, Fleet Captain, (206) 399-6474.
