BRADENTON BEACH – Crowds lined the Bradenton Beach Pier early to get the best view of the Fifth Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday.
Once the sun went down, a line of boats decked out with flashing lights and holiday figures came into view to the delighted cheers of attendees on the pier.
The Anna Maria Princess, the largest of the boats in the parade, was covered in lights, with rows of green turtle lights on both port and starboard sides.
The boat parade began at the south end of Jewfish Key and headed northwest in the Intracoastal Waterway past the Longboat Key bridge to the Bradenton Beach Pier, ending at the Bradenton Beach Marina.
The Bradenton Beach Marina, which owns the Anna Maria Princess, and Paradise Boat Tours accepted passengers on their vessels, donating the proceeds to charity.
The boat parade was part of the Christmas on Bridge Street celebration that began at 3 p.m. and included live music by Mike Sales, the Strolling Crosley Carolers, pictures with Santa, family-friendly activities and a street party.
Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said up to 5,000 people visit Bridge Street for the event.
Bridge Street was closed to traffic until midnight. Cosby said the ordinance prohibiting alcohol consumption outside bars was suspended for the event.
The holiday celebrations on Bridge Street continue with Thursdays in Paradise from Dec. 7 through Dec. 28 from 3-9 p.m. Events will feature photos with Santa, face-painting, ornament-making and live music at participating restaurants and bars. Participating restaurants and shops will also offer discounts.
