Pasadena Boat Parade Returns For Second Run

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After a successful event last year, Andrea Menke is bringing back the popular Pasadena Boat Parade.

The parade is set for Saturday, December 1, and will start at 5:00pm. Like last year, the parade will kick off at the Broken Oar Bar & Grill and will end at PYY Marine. The parade will follow the same route as last year.

“I’ve always enjoyed the parades in Baltimore and Annapolis when I could get to see them,” said Laurel resident Tim Harrison, who watched the Pasadena parade last year and plans to participate this year. “The small-town feel of this makes me want to be in it. Also, the boating community is unique and I enjoy being part of it.”

Brittany Schiller watched last year’s parade with her two daughters from her neighborhood marina. Growing up in Ohio, Schiller wasn’t near the water and didn’t have events like this.

“Anytime there’s stuff to do on the water, we get pretty excited because that wasn’t stuff we were able to do growing up,” said Schiller, who now lives in Pasadena. “I think it’s really cool to be able to have a parade on the water with boats and incorporate whatever holiday season is going on.”

Mike Hatcher, owner of PYY Marine, said events like the boat parade are unique to waterfront communities.

“There’s a lot of waterfront houses on Stoney Creek and Rock Creek,” Hatcher said. “I think it was so popular because they hadn’t been doing it for a while.”

Jimmy Jernigan, who participated last year, said he “wouldn’t miss it” this year. Growing up, Jernigan has memories of watching Maryland Yacht Club’s boat parade from the pier with his family.

“We had so much fun with the kids and watching so many people outside watching us from land,” Jernigan said. “It was crazy. It made me feel so awesome to be a part of the event.”

The theme this year is Christmas. For those interested in participating, registration is open until November 25. To register, visit the “Pasadena Boat Parade” page on Facebook and leave your boat name.

Decorating Tips

For those who are new — or for those who need some help after last year — here are a few tips from experienced boat decorators:

  1. Wear a personal flotation device. “As you prepare for a winter boat show parade, you’ve got to understand that the water temperature is very cold, and you may want to wear a [personal floatation device] while stringing the lights around your boat and up the antenna,” Jernigan said.
  2. Make sure everything is properly secured. Whether it’s lights or blow-up figurines, make sure you take the time to securely fasten everything to your boat. “You don't want to be up there while the boat is moving around or trying to fish your decorations out of the water,” Jernigan said.
  3. BYO heat. It’s cold outside! Unlike going for a drive in the car, there isn’t a heater on the boat — or seat warmers. Jernigan suggested bringing warm drinks to keep your body temperature up during the long parade route. “Hot chocolate and some kind of heat would make your evening much better.”
  4. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to decorate your boat. When getting ready for the parade, make sure you have enough supplies with you to ensure the longevity of your display. “Make sure you have ample amount of power to run the lights,” Hatcher said.
Boat Parade, PYY, Pasadena Yacht Yard

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