20th Annual St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade Set For Saturday Promises Dazzling Show

The St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade Committee on Wednesday announced its annual, free and heavily patronized event, set for Saturday.

The event sees lighted boats putting on a show of music and lights for event-goers, as they glide on the waters of the Christiansted Harbor. This year marks the boat parade’s 20th anniversary, which will be marked by an amazing fireworks display that residents and visitors alike will not want to miss, according to the release.

The St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade was formed as a result of a group of boaters twenty years ago who wanted to bring a little Christmas spirit to Christiansted Harbor, the release said. From since 1998 the event has grown into a fantastic community event overflowing with the spirit of the holidays.

At about noon, King Street closes to traffic and fills with local vendors. Entertainment starts with the Ebenezer Methodist Children’s Steel Orchestra, followed by Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies, according to the committee.

Twenty-plus lighted boats have signed up this year, ranging in size from 16 to 68 feet in length. The boat owners have each beautifully decorated their boats at their own expense, out of love and respect for the community, the release said. This year’s M.C. is DJ Swain.

While the event is free, VIP tickets will be available for $50/person, permitting entry to exclusive viewing in the area above Brew Pub on the Boardwalk with catering, a cash bar and port-a-potties. Tickets may be purchased from Sal Sanpere (340) 690-0006.

The St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, and solicits donations from local Crucian and family businesses. According to the committee, the efforts to put on the boat parade is no small feat. The herculean effort takes 19 committee members under the leadership of Chair Sal Sanpere and the Co-Chair Trish Rhodes.

The committee thanked NRC for providing barges for this year’s firework show, Vivot Equipment Corporation for the transportation of the barges, Seaborne, the Department of Tourism, VIPD, VIFS volunteers, boaters, sponsors, among others.

There is no entry fee for the boaters and no charge to view the parade or enjoy the entertainment. After all parade and fireworks expenses are paid, any remaining monies are used to help fund local children’s charities and orphanages on the island.

Correction: Dec. 6, 2018 (2:28 p.m.)

The St. Croix Boat Parade Committee corrected their press release on two matters: VIP tickets are $50, not $60. Also, the VIP area is above the Brew Pub, not Shupe’s.