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Boat parade

 Back in California I remember we once visited Orange County to witness people with boats light them up and parade them on a waterfront. Probably on the Pacific.  I think it was somewhere near Newport.

Now in the Carolinas we got to see the spectacle more at length and up close. On the lake. As part of the culture here people socialize through various mechanisms and while it is cold and dark outside they have found ways to keep active and engaged.

Thus the boat parade with lights and Santa and other inflated suspects /subjects to deck their decks. Families come out in droves. Both the boat owners who hand out candy to passersby while moored in the dock and the passerby visitor public who are there to sit by bonfires and have a good time.

As newcomers to the area we were drawn by the excitement like moths to the flame.  Had good time chatting with locals, some who religiously come each year and some who drop in every so often, even from 100 miles away.

As dusk turned to night the lights on the boats came on; the fake snow machines whirred to life and music began playing.  Finally at 6.30 pm the lead boat pulled out of the marina with participants in tow for the parade.

Winner of the best decorated boat got a plaque.  Oh what fun!

Below are the scenes from the evening.  










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