South Pasadena could draw little interest in repeating last year's event, forcing its cancellation.
By MAUREEN BYRNE AHERN
Published December 3, 2003
SOUTH PASADENA - A lack of interest from area boaters has forced the city to cancel its holiday boat parade.
By Tuesday, the city had received only four applications for the event, a procession of boats splashed with holiday decorations, especially colorful lights. So city officials decided to scrub the parade, which was scheduled for Tuesday.
"It's a shame, but four boats aren't worth it," said City Clerk Diane Orloff.
City officials are perplexed by the low turnout. Last year, the city sponsored its first boat parade, spending $1,157 on the event and drawing 15 participants. The city had hoped to do the same this year.
"I can't figure it out," Orloff said.
The illuminated boat parade is the Sunshine State's version of the traditional Christmas parade. Up North, Santa Claus rides down Main Street on a sleigh, but in Florida, the jolly guy cruises the waterways with a fleet.
For South Pasadena, perhaps the dismal response is due to too much of a good thing. "Maybe there are just too many," Orloff said.
In Pinellas County, eight boat parades are scheduled this month, with four setting course this weekend.
This year, Madeira Beach will host its 37th annual holiday procession. The Boca Ciega Yacht Club and the cities of Indian Rocks Beach and Treasure Island have had boat parades for nearly two decades.
Could it be too late for South Pasadena to get in on the tradition? Surely there are enough boat owners to go around.
Orloff said the dismal response isn't for a lack of trying. She said the city mailed 200 applications to possible candidates, including registrants from some of last year's parades.
Scott Kalitta, owner of Great American Marine, also mailed about 100 notices to slip renters but got little response. The marina coordinated South Pasadena's parade last year and Kalitta was looking forward to doing the same this year. Some of last year's participants either sold their boats or moved away, he said.
And some people are probably just too busy. "It does take a lot to get a boat ready," Kalitta said.
So far, 23 people have signed up for St. Pete Beach's boat parade, said Mary-Jo Golliner, a recreation leader for the city and organizer of the annual event. For the first time, the parade is offering prize packages totaling $5,000.
"I'm still looking for more," she said, adding that people have until Friday to register.
Orloff said it's too soon to know if South Pasadena will try again next year, but hopefully the city will give it another shot.
