Palm Coast, Florida, January 25, 2024 – Because of extensive holiday plans by the city of Palm Coast on December 14, 2024, a new date, Sunday, December 15, has been named for the 41st annual Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade. The announcement was made by Sarah Ulis, Chair of the Parade, which is sponsored by the Palm Coast Yacht Club. The date is optimal for high tides on the Intracoastal Waterway, the route of the Parade, and presents viewers and participants with a full moon. Parade rain date is Saturday, December 21, 2024.
One hundred eight boats were officially registered in the 2023 Parade on December 9, 2023, and were joined by at least fifty more brightly decorated vessels for a new Palm Coast record, making the Parade one of the three largest lit boat parades in the United States. With new enhancements for boaters and viewers, the Parade was longer by more than a mile and free city shuttle bus service for spectators was provided. Thousands of people lined the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)) and dozens of lively parties were thrown at homes along the ICW to celebrate the widely anticipated yearly event.
The Parade was held in honor of the late Al Krier, a long-time Parade champion and major community activist. Grand Marshalls were Palm Coast Mayor The Honorable David Alfin and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. Carrying the Grand Marshalls was “Sunshine,” a 55-foot Viking owned by Palm Coast Yacht Club members Donna Heiss and Ken Mazzie. Parade escorts included the Marine Unit of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and TowBoatUS. The Florida Inland Navigation District endorsed the event. For the fifth year, the Parade was broadcast live by Flagler Broadcasting on KOOL-FM, 100.9. The City of Palm Coast provided worldwide simultaneous live coverage on Youtube.
Says Chair Ulis, “The change in date is necessary as we offer our full support to the City and appreciate its cooperation with making the Parade the glowing centerpiece of the community’s life.”
