It was the San Pedro AIDS Commission that captured the eye of the judges during the sixth annual San Pedro Holiday Lighted Boat Parade that took place on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Their decorated boat and high spirited staff was awarded the top prize of $1,500 during the holiday season celebration as 12 other boats decorated the night with vivid lights and cheerful spirits.
Ambergris Today once again had the pleasure of being along with the judges and sharing with them a close up look at the parade. The judges were hosted by Lady Dixie Bowen who allowed the parade committee to use her pier for viewing and judging. The judges were caught in the rain a couple of times, but that did not stop the fun.
The boats took off from in front of Wayo’s Beernet and Grill and traveled along the coast down to Caribbean Villas; along the way hundreds of residents took up spot with friends and family at various viewing stations to enjoy the parade. Isla Bonita Elementary filled the air with drumming with its marching band, the Island Academy students sang Christmas carol, Santa was ‘shuffling’ in the SP Lions boat, Holy Cross Anglican School had a live nativity scene and of the other boats had entertainment of their own. It was a very lively, colorful and enjoyable parade this year.
Central Park was teeming with action as residents enjoyed the boats sailing by and visited the various food, drink and sales booths that were set up for the evening. There was even a children’s choir competition that was won by the Island Academy followed by Holy Cross Anglican School and Isla Bonita Elementary.
Here are the winners of this year’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade:
*First Overall – The San Pedro AIDS Commission, Captain Mario Graniel, Trophy sponsored by KAMA Lounge plus $1,500, $100 gift certificates at Wild Mango’s and Crave Restaurant
*Second Overall – Blue Tang Inn, Sirena Azul boat, Trophy sponsored by Quicksilver Messenger Service & Go Phones plus $800, dinnre for two at Estel’s and $100 bar tab at BC’s
*Mayor’s Choice – Lions (Belize Diving Adventures), Captain Ruben, Trophy sponsored by Mayor’s Office plus $8000
*First Junior Division – Island Academy (Coastal Express), Captain Ethan, Trophy sponsored by Carvin’ Marvin plus $800
*Most Religious – Holy Cross Anglican School, Captain Freddie, Trophy sponsored by Lily’s Treasure Chest plus $800
*Most Artistic – Marley Jean, Pirate Theme, Captained by Chris Prevette, Trophy sponsored by Sunbreeze Hotel plus $800
*Consolation Prize – Goliath, Norman Eiley, Gift certificate of $200 at Wild Mango’s
Isla Bonita Elementary School and Heavenly Cupcakes were awarded a tie with the best booths.
Photos by Jose Luis Zapata Photography
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Thank you Letter from Boat Parade Committee: A very special thank you to the 2011 Sponsors. We appreciate your financial and in kind support in making this year a huge success.
BTB/Minister Manuel Heredia-4 Star Admiral Sponsor
Ambergris Today
Atlantic Bank
BC’s Beach Bar & Grill
Bowen Companies
Dixie Bowen, Pier for Judges
Blue Iguana Grille
Blue Tang Inn
Blue Water Grill
Caliente’s – financial support & host meetings
Captain Sharks
Caribbean Treasures
Caribbean Villas Resort
Crave Restaurant
Castillo’s Hardware
DandDe’s Frozen Yogurt
Estele’s by the Sea
Exotica Caye Resort
Fido’s Restaurant & Bar
Carvin’ Marvin
Graniel’s Dreamland
Holiday Hotel
Huber, Jim
Hurricanes Ceviche Bar
Kama Lounge
Lily’s Treasure Chest
Dulce Wolfe, Decoration
Melody Wolfe, T-shirt design
Mata Chica Resort
Pedro’s Inn & Pizza
QuickSilver Msg. Svc & Go Phones
Ramon’s Dive Shop
Reef Radio
San Pedro Sun
San Pedro Town Council
Seaduced by Belize
Sunbreeze Hotel
Sunbreeze Suites
Tacklebox
Wayo’s Beach Bar
Wild Mango’s
Mr & Mrs Javier Williams
Wine de Vine
Xanadu Resort
We hope you visited the following booths at the Block Party and enjoyed food, drinks, kids activities and phone services!
Wade Gringo Burgers and Island Dogs, Casa Picasso, Heavenly Cupcakes – Best Booth tie Winner of $150 Cash, Pineapples Restaurant,
Pirates Pizza, Isla Bonita Elementary – Best Booth tie Winner of $150 Cash, ACES School, SMART Phone.
Again, thank you to all the boat entries. Without you, we wouldn’t have a parade! Committee: Jan Brown, Rebecca & Elito Arceo, Kim Bierman, Ellis Cortez, Lara Goldman, Bob Hamilton, Sharon Hazel, and Kathy Kiemiec.
No one is ever intentionally left out of our thank you. However, if we did, you are special and we appreciate your help. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! SEE YOU IN 2012!
