Palm Coast, FL (December 19, 2021) It’s only fitting that a couple who love Palm Coast as much as the person the evening honored should organize the 38th Annual Palm Coast Boat Parade.
As a force of nature, Sarah Ulis has made the success of the Palm Coast Boat Parade a personal mission over the years as a member of the Palm Coast Yacht Club, and her dedication to the event is only matched by the love of her community and her husband Robert.
Dedicating this year’s event to former Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts, another community member who loved this community as much if not more, Saturday’s turnout was the largest in Palm Coast history and quite possibly the largest holiday boat parade in Florida.
With 74 boats officially registered and some unofficial joiners who wanted to take part in the holiday tradition, the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway were brimming with spectators ready to mark the holiday season with festivities and friends, in Flagler County.
Under the light of the full moon, from picnic baskets to elegant boat parade parties, Palm Coasters were in the holiday spirit.
“It was a perfect confluence of the water, the full moon, and so many beautiful boats,” said chair of the Palm Coast Boat Parade, Sarah Ulis.
“So many Palm Coasters put their hearts into this event, most of them brand new to the parade. There were shooting stars, lots of elves and Santas, a karaoke band, ice skating hippos, very rare Pilot boat built by the design (of) the first America’s cup boat, a bubble machine, jumping dolphins (for real in the water). It seemed like the entire city just came outdoors to have a great time together, and give itself a big hug,” she said.
Making It All Happen
There’s quite a bit of work that goes into pulling off a boat parade outside of rallying the community, and this year’s bevy of boat captains were happy to share their tales.
Suited up as a holiday greeter for the Captain’s meeting early Saturday morning at Pine Lakes Golf Club, Al Krier has been part of the boat parade for the past 25 years.
It’s not the only record the 85-year old holds.
“I didn’t raise my hand, but I’m the oldest guy here,” joked Krier. “I love it. One of the neighbors helps me, a couple of the neighbors ride with me on the boat and it’s just a lot of fun.”
Helming an 18-foot Pilot 49, his antique watercraft is an American classic.
“It’s a lobster boat designed by Halsey Herreshoff who was a great sailor for the U.S. Cups,” shared Krier. “He built 100 of them, well over 50 years ago and to my knowledge, there’s only two or three that are in existence and running, and this is one of them.”
Hailing from the Town of Beverly Beach, Commissioner Jeff Schuitema says it took three weeks to decorate his boat “Crazy Daze”. He even enlisted the help Beverly Beach Mayor Steve Emmett to get his 35-foot Monterey ready complete with blue lights, a helicopter, Santa and the reindeer, and a meteor shower.
First-timer Greg Rankowitz, captain of the “Sweet Tea”, was fired up after leaving the captain’s meeting, describing his Grinch-themed entry’s first foray into the parade.
“We’ve got an 11-foot Grinch plus green lights everywhere. Plus Max the Dog, plus music that we worked on the soundtrack for,” he said of decorating his 20-foot pontoon. “We’re probably close to 3 weeks of decorating. We had to bring everything in, but we started months ago. The Grinch we’ve had for almost three months,” he said with enthusiasm.
When asked what made him join up, well it was simple.
“This is my first year. Are you kidding? Why not!”
After a briefing by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on safety, Parade Captain Robert Ulis reminded boaters of the basics – boat safety and common sense, while setting the expectation to execute the parade in a professional manner.
Giving a nod of appreciation to wife Sarah for organizing the event, it was pure admiration.
“It’s a great feeling to be part of such an event,” he said. “This year being as big as it is, it’s going to be unbelievable. Sarah worked very, very hard on this parade. She really got the word out and this year is really good.”
The Big Event
Residents who have watched the Palm Coast Boat Parade over the years have their routine down pat and plan accordingly.
Shortly after 5 p.m. Waterfront Park was packed with cars lining the entry all the way out to Colbert Lane in Palm Coast, with viewers perched along the St. Joe Walkway.
The banks of Canopy Walk were filled with picnickers while others watched from the balconies of their condominiums. Cheers from along the route could be heard carrying over the Intracoastal Waterway as house party goers shouted back “Merry Christmas” amid boat horns and holiday music.
“It was a beautiful night for such a wonderful event and it definitely made it feel like Christmas,” shared Shelly Edmonson, who watched from Island Estates with family.
“The boats were beautifully decorated and just kept coming. I couldn’t believe how any boats participated. This will definitely become a new tradition for our family and friends,” she said.
Broadcasting from the dock at Canopy Walk, those watching or tuning in could enjoy the live commentary from Flagler Broadcasting’s vice president and general manager David Ayres, who received help emceeing the boat parade from famed Jazz singer Linda Cole, and Priscilla Netts on KOOL 100.9 FM.
Honoring her late husband Jon Netts, a lifelong boater and dedicated public servant, Netts shared the story of discovering Palm Coast with her husband in 1993, and the New Jersey couple’s decision to move to Flagler County. A retired educator, Jon Netts would go on to serve as a Palm Coast city councilman and mayor, and as a commissioner for the Florida Inland Navigation District among his many hats, before his passing this year in January 2021.
The evening was dedicated to his memory, and Mrs. Netts knew he would have loved the tremendous turnout.
“This wonderful boat parade is in memory of him. He was a great boater, avid boater and we spent a lot of time on the water, so this was very special,” she said. “He would be amazed (at tonight), it’s like something we’ve never seen before.”
An entertainment icon, the sound of Linda Cole’s distinctive voice carried over the airwaves as the trio described the boats and decorations for listeners throughout the evening.
“I’ve very excited, honored and humbled,” said Cole to be with her friend during the parade and live broadcast. “I just love her. I call her Mrs. Mayor. She’s a dear heart and she’s a kind lady.”
The evening was a poignant tribute to a life well-lived, and former Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland was pleased to see the community spirit on display as she remembered her friend and mentor.
“I watched the parade tonight with both a feeling of pride for a community that came out collectively to share the spirit of the holiday as they lined up shoulder to should to watch the many boats light up our Intracoastal waterways and a feeling of remembrance for a man who gave countless hours and years to ensuring Palm Coast continued to recognized our waterway for an access point for travelers as well as residents that chose Palm Coast as their home,” she said.
“Jon was never much for the fanfare during his leadership but rather pushed continuum of the values that brought our residents here. Tonight was the perfect time to not only celebrate his contributions but also recognize the importance of his consistent voice in these discussions,” said Holland.
