Boats of all kinds can shine in annual Gig Harbor Lighted Boat Parade

Got a boat? Got lights? The Gig Harbor Yacht Club invites you to join its annual Lighted Boat Parade, a harbor tradition for more than 40 years.

A long line of brightly decorated boats, including fishing vessels, pleasure boats and kayaks, will parade twice around Gig Harbor, beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

“Everybody is welcome to sail, whether or not they’re members of the yacht club,” said John Sasser, a club member who is organizing the event.

Usually 25 to 30 boats participate, Sasser said, ranging from “some pretty big yachts to kayaks with little battery-powered lights.”

The parade route will start at Arabella’s Landing Marina, proceed to the City Dock area, turn inside the harbor entrance, go down the north side of the harbor and turn again to pass by Anthony’s restaurant and the marinas in the western bay, and finally come back by Arabella’s and the City Dock before tracing the route a second time.

The lighted boat parade will be visible from many points around the harbor and is an excellent excuse for a party, Sasser said.

“You’ll get a view from any of the restaurants along the shoreline, or from Skansie Brothers Park,” he said. “A lot of the restaurants will be having parties.”

“We are hoping for a many boats, many lights, and enjoyment for all, whether on ship or ashore,” Sasser said.

Skippers can sign up to receive more information by sending their name, boat name and length, email address and home port or club to ghyclightedparade@gmail.com, or by going to the Gig Harbor Yacht Club website GigHarborYC.com and clicking on “Lighted Boat Parade” under “Event Calendar.”

This story was originally published November 27, 2019 at 12:00 AM.