Locals gathered for bright lights and a good cause.
On Saturday, Nov. 26, a handful of boats departed from the Wicomico County Yacht Club, traveling through the Upper Ferry and arriving at the Port of Salisbury, decked out in dazzling lights during the annual Wicomico Yacht Club Annual Christmas Boat Parade.
According to WYC Commodore Ray Semski the tradition has been around for over 30 years.
“The interest along the river has picked up unbelievably!” Semski says. “As we ride by we’ll see house parties, bonfires and fireworks along the river and downtown Salisbury gets packed. There are people on both sides of the river, Brew River gets packed, people are taking pictures… It seems like it grows every year.”
Decorated boats showed off for the crowds during the 2016 parade (Photo: WYC)
Semski says the tradition was started by the Carey family of Carey Distributors, after see a Christmas boat parade on vacation in Fort Lauderdale.
This years parade had just under 20 boats cruising through the Wicomico County waters, ranging from 24 – 50 foot. Semski says anybody with a boat that can be decorated can join the parade.
Local officials join in on the parade including the Allen Volunteer Fire Company, Salisbury Police Department, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Police and the United States Coast Guard.
“They enjoy participating but if for some reason somebody has a problem they are also there to assist,” Semski says.
Leading up to the parade, the yacht club puts out boxes to collect items for Toys for Tots. After the parade, the boats will deliver the toys and then turn around to head back to the yacht club, giving spectators a chance to see the parade twice.
In 2015, the yacht club was recognized for being the largest Wicomico County toy sponsor for Toys for Tots. In addition to Toys for Tots, the WYC also donates to Bless Our Children.
Parade riders get their boats ready for the 2016 event (Photo: WYC)
