GLOWING REFLECTIONS: THREE HOLIDAY BOAT PARADES DELIGHT THE MIDDLE KEYS

Salt water and electricity don’t mix … unless it’s December in Marathon.

The second weekend of the holiday month brought three back-to-back boat parades to the Middle Keys, casting their glow over the waters of Duck Key, Boot Key Harbor and Key Colony Beach on Dec. 8, 9 and 10.

Photos by Sandra Lee Photography and Mile Zero Media

Duck Key Parade

Now in its second year, Hawks Cay Resort hosted the Duck Key Christmas Boat Parade, coordinated by the Duck Key Fishing Club. Nineteen decked-out boats met at Hawks Cay Marina for a pre-parade party where club members and residents could preview the vessels and cheer on their neighbors.

“I’m proud of our old-fashioned small-town Christmas parade,” said Duck Key Fishing Club vice president Margie Casey. “We’re thankful that 16 fishing club members volunteered to decorate their boats alongside three Hawks Cay Resort lighted boats.” 

Boats ranging from 16 to 44 feet participated with holiday themes, led by Hawks Cay dockmaster and parade grand marshall Chris Grooms aboard “Nauti or Nice” and culminating in Santa’s arrival aboard the 39-foot Invincible “Let It Snow.”

Founded in 2022, the Duck Key Fishing Club (duckkeyfishingclub.com) quickly grew to 180 members. The family-friendly club focuses on fellowship, education and fundraising activities to support the local community. This year the club is projected to raise enough money to send a dozen or more local students to Pigeon Key’s Marine Summer Camp in 2024.

Boot Key Parade 

What began as a last-minute endeavor by organizer Ilene Clark quickly grew to the Middle Keys’ largest parade, with sponsors and 23 boats lining up to spread holiday cheer and support parade beneficiary Presents in Paradise. When all was said and done, the Boot Key event raised more than $1,500 for the nonprofit helping underprivileged children enjoy a merry holiday season.

“Roger Haines deserves a special thanks for this parade,” said Clark. “I made the original Facebook post to get the ball rolling, but he stepped in, did the legwork and made this happen.”

Best Overall (Over 30’): “SpartyTime” – Greg Schafer

Runner Up (Over 30’): “Huntress Charters” – Erika & R.D. Goodman

Best Overall (Under 30’): “Flat Rate” – Donny & Carla Medeiros

Runner Up (Under 30’): “Ms. D’Meanor” – John McGrade

Best Overall: “New Beginnings” – Ilene Clark

Judges’ Choice: “Lobster Monster” – Kevin Komoroski

Judges’ Choice: Chris Reynolds’ 37’ Grady White

Judges’ Honorable Mention: “Last Choice” – Jimbo Simcic

Judges’ Honorable Mention: “Knot Responsible” – Jason Seitz

Key Colony Parade

The weekend’s final parade included more than a dozen boats competing for $2,400 in cash prizes and gift certificates with a procession down KCB’s 7th Street canal. The parade was presented by the KCB Fishing and Boating Club and KCB Community Association, with prize sponsorships from Karen Raspe, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, the Marathon Sail & Power Squadron, Coldwell Banker Schmitt and Key Colony Beach Realty.

“A huge shout-out to the U.S. Coast Guard and all of our sponsors for their support,” said parade organizer Steve DeCrow.

UNDER 30 FEET:

Best In Class: “Snowflake” – Jim Stewart

Brightest/Most Colorful: “Coco’s” – Chelsea Hilsabeck

Most Creative: “Charlie Brown” – Carmen & Diane Slusher

Most Spirited Crew: “Flat Rate” – Don & Carla Medeiros

OVER 30 FEET:

Best In Class: “Tacoyo” – Shannon Textoris Simcic

Brightest & Most Colorful: Two Conchs

Most Creative: “New Beginnings” – Ilene Clark

Most Spirited Crew: “Checked Out” – Chris Reynolds

Best Overall: “Izzy Rose” – Bud Fernandes