Master Bagpiper Patrick Juliano was at the door of the Palm Coast Community Center on Saturday to pipe in celebrants for the 40th annual Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade.
Because it’s impossible to gather so many boaters together for a party after the Parade, the Palm Coast Yacht Club, led by Parade Chair Sarah Ulis, began the Pre-Boat Parade Party last year to thank boaters for participating and to acknowledge the officials who lend their support to the effort.
“It’s just a joy to come to this event and have a chance to chat with other boaters and get ideas of how we want to decorate our boat this year,” said one captain as he walked into the Center.
Said Sarah Ulis greeting the celebrants, “The Yacht Club is very honored to give this Parade to the City of Palm Coat. It’s now the largest lit parade in the entire state of Florida and we know why it’s so successful. There are no fees and no competitions. It comes together just for the sheer love of it.”
The late Al Krier’s son spoke as the Parade was named in his honor. The family has donated Al’s 18-foot Herreschoff Pilot to the Yacht Club, which is being restored and will be launched soon prior to beginning its permanent role as the lead boat in every parade “until the end of time,” as Ulis said.
All Source Marine in St. Augustine was responsible for the main restoration and Jennifer Fallon of Palm Coast, better known as “the boat girl,” took care of the teak work, lending her work gratis to the Club.
Commander Phil Reynolds, the Sheriff’s liaison with the city, was present and spoke a few words about security for the parade on land and on water. Ulis also thanked Master Deputy Turner and the city’s Jared Dawson, James Hirst, Kendra Ianotti, Brenda Kershaw, and Shanese Buffin.
The city is donating two buses to the effort, shuttling folks between parking at the Community Center and Daytona State College over to European Village for viewing the parade. One of the volunteer drivers, Richard Briggs, was present, as well as City Transportation Manager Pia Thomas.
Donna Heiss and Ken Mazzie, both members of the Palm Coast Yacht Club, once again will be aboard their 55-foot Viking which will carry the Parade Grand Marshalls, Mayor Alfin and Sheriff Rick Staly.
Representatives from TowBoatUS were at the party, as well as officials representing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Randy Stapleford, Commissioner of the Florida Inland Navigational District, who presented a check for $500.00 to the Club in support of the parade.
Mayor David Alfin rounded out the official business with a big thank you to the Club for presenting the Parade every year.
All boaters were given a huge gold star to recognize each other as what else? The true “stars” the parade. “These people are the parade,” said Ulis. “They have no idea of the joy they give to the other boaters and to the people on the shore. This is the parade.”
The Parade will be broadcast live by Flagler Broadcasting and presented worldwide on Youtube by the City. Ninety-one boats participated last year and even more are expected this year.
“This is The Big Hug,” concluded Ulis.
