2015 Chain of Lakes Boat Parade

This event is no longer active.

The 2015 Chain of Lakes Boat Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 6:30 PM beginning on Lake May. If you are planning to participate in the parade, be in Lake May no later than 6:30 p.m. The police department will lead the parade, followed by the Chamber boat including Santa and then all other boats can fall in-line. Please do not have live Santa on your boat. There is only one after all!  

This year the route will start in May where the boats will line up, then go into Lake Shipp and make a right. The judges for first, second and third place will be at Harborside restaurant. If you would like to be judged for the prizes you MUST have your cell phone number written LARGE and clearly on a large white posterboard. If they cannot read it you won't be considered. We will then proceed in front of the Lake Shipp public boat ramp and viewing area. We then travel back through the canal into Lake May passed Idle Zone Bar & Grill, Caribbean Bay and Tanners Lakeside. Once through the May-Howard canal we will take a right and travel counter-clockwise around Lake Howard. There are numerous public viewing areas including the public boat ramps, the park between Pope Ave and Ave D NW and along trail from Ave D to Central Ave. At the advice of our law enforcement partners as well as numerous participants from years past, the decision has been made not to go into Lake Cannon this year. These decisions are made each year based on current lake conditions and can change from year-to-year.  The parade will end at Old Man Frank's where we will have judges picking out the most creative boat design for the year. Again, please ensure that you have your cell phone number displayed LARGE on a white posterboard so the judges can read it. 

You do not have to pre-register for the parade. Again, to be considered for a prize you must display your cell phone number on a large white poster board as you pass the judges stations (Harborside and Old Man Frank's). 

Thank you to our parade partners: 
Old Man Frank's 
Harborside
Marine Supply of Winter Haven

Prizes include: 
$100 - Overall Winner (judged at Harborside)
$100 - Most Creative (judged at Old Man Frank's) 
(those cannot be the same winner) 
$50 - Second Place (judged at Harborside)
$25 - Third Place (Judged at Harborside)

The full list of Parade Rules, Reminders and Recommendations:
All boats must be lined up and ready to go in Lake May by 6:30 PM.
  1. Boats must meet US Coast Guard safety requirements. Polk County Sheriff and Winter Haven Police Department representatives will be on hand at Marine Supply on Lake May beginning at 6:00 p.m. on December 5.
  2. Boat must be a minimum of 16 feet in length.
  3. Boat must be decorated with lights, with all running lights working.
  4. Boat must be able to maintain a constant 7-9 mph for up to two hours.
  5. Driver must keep pace with other boats.
  6. Personal water crafts (jet skis, etc.) are prohibited.
  7. Boats must have a Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
  8. Children under the age of eight must wear an approved Coast Guard life jacket.
  9. Boat must have a Coast Guard approved throwable flotation device aboard.
  10. Boat must have a Coast Guard approved horn and fire extinguisher on board.
  11. Please stay approximately 20 feet behind the boat ahead of you while in the parade. Do not lag or tailgate.
  12. Minimum clearance under bridges is 72 inches from the water line. Please check your boat and decorations.
  13. If you experience boat trouble, drop to the end of the parade.
  14. Bow riding is prohibited.
  15. Participants may also dial 911 or 291-5858 in the event of an emergency.
  16. If you are a winner, the Chamber will contact you by Monday, December 7 to make you aware. You will pick up your prize money from the Chamber. 

 

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