Long Island's 1st Christmas Boat Parade Is Back On This Year

Patchogue NY

20 October, 2021

5:56 PM

Description

PATCHOGUE, NY — A Long Island holiday tradition is making a big come-back next month. The Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade — the island's first Christmas boat parade — will take off on Nov. 21. after a two-year absence. The parade, which draws thousands of holiday revelers from all over Long Island to the Patchogue River, as well as the village's restaurants and bars, was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to organizers. The theme for this year's parade, which starts at 6 p.m., is "A Christmas Movie." There will be deejays playing music at two locations — Sandspit Marina and Fire Island National Seashore Watch Hill terminal. The parade can be viewed from restaurants along the waterfront. There will be a free preview of the boats the day before on Nov. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Off-Key Tikki. The parade began 28 years ago with Dick Blakeslee of the Oar Steak and Seafood Grill, who was inspired by the Ft. Lauderdale, FL, event, but he wanted something "cooler," according to the event's website. It brings out thousands of people each year. The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce is currently looking for parade sponsors, said David Kennedy, executive director. "This special Patchogue holiday tradition began 28 years ago as the first Christmas Boat Parade on Long Island and since has been the way our community kicks off the holiday season," Kennedy wrote.