25th Annual Boat Parade of Lights  2010 RESULTS Panama City's 2010 Boat Parade of Lights "Team Spirit Christmas" dazzled thousands as they watched from St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama City Marina, St. Andrews Marina and many private vantage points and restaurants along the parade route on Thanksgiving Saturday. The boats departed the Cove at 5:30pm, led by Betsy Ann Riverboat and arrived at St. Andrews Marina at 6:58, the final destination of the procession. The parade had a total of 23 boat entries, the largest flotilla in years, in the categories of Corporate, Government, Power and Sail. Many of the boats were decorated in their favorite team's colors to honor the parade theme. The boats were judged by a panel of five judges as they passed the City Marina and placed as follows: Corporate 1st Place - Room 7, Capt Kyle Kirby 2nd Place - Betsy Ann Riverboat, Capt Rick Ackerman Government 1st Place - Panama City Fire Boat, Capt Ryan Smith 2nd Place - Panama City Police Department, Capt Chris Taylor 3rd Place - Panama City Beach Police Department, Capt Clyde Pringle, Jr. Power 1st Place - Chances "R", Capts Jerry Pornell, Debbie Moore 2nd Place - Sweet Dreams, Capt John Flowers 3rd Place - El Tortuga, Capt Bill Hamilton Sail 1st Place - VaMoose, Capt Rob Johnson 2nd Place - Fair Trades, Capt Mike Plitman 3rd Place - Lone Eagle, Capt Tony Skolnick Special recognition was given to Betsy Ann for "Best Crew Participation" and the historic sailing ship Governor Stone, Capt Dick Gercak, for "Best in Theme". The boats monitored Channel 12 during the parade and were escorted by four official vessels to ensure boater safety. Row Your Boat, Solidarity, 45644 and an additional Coast Guard vessel remained on duty throughout the parade. Other participants included Daze Off, No Name, Sea Hag, We Can Too, Whiskey Front, Ambiance, and Island Bride, who had to withdraw early due to technical difficulties. We Can Too lost her assigned parade number at sea and unfortunately was not able to be scored. In St. Andrews, spectators watched football games on a 20 foot tv, shopped at a giant farmers' market, listened to local music by East Bay and Harmony Shores and walked through the newly lit Historic St. Andrews Christmas Village light display in Oaks by the Bay Park while they awaited the flotilla. The 2011 Boat Parade of Lights will include a "Best New Boat" category to encourage new boat entries throughout the years to come. |
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