Venice Boat Parade

Our friends, Patti and Fran, always figure out the coolest things to do!  They went up to Venice, FL, on Wednesday and staked out an area along the canal to watch the boat parade on Saturday evening. We joined them and a dozen or so other people to watch the boats.  They thought of everything - tables, tablecloths, coolers, beach umbrellas, chairs, and even mats for the ground. 

It was a balmy 85 degrees and we needed the umbrellas as we were looking right into the sun as it went down over the canal.  We had time to eat and visit before dark, when the crowds began to gather in earnest.

People lined the banks of the canal for about a mile on both sides of the canal.

Finally, night fell, and the bridges opened up so the parade could begin.  While we had thought fleetingly that maybe we should have decorated the boat and joined the parade, it didn't take many boats before we realized just how high the decorating bar would be.

This giant Christmas ornament constantly changed colors, lighting up the area in blue, red, green, red, and then white again.

Part of the fun was trying to figure out just what kind of boat was beneath all those lights.

Frosty on top, more figures on the back, and tons of lights all around.

Most had enthusiastic dancers on board singing and dancing to the music.

One of my favorites!

The reflections in the water were nearly as beautiful as the boats!

Would you believe an entry from Seattle?

Of the 50 boats, I think this was my favorite!  Definitely a pleasant way to spend a warm evening.  It was still 75 degrees when we got in the car to head home around 8 p.m.