Electricity and water usually don’t mix. Unless, of course, it’s the Key Colony Beach boat parade. On Dec. 12, dozens of cars lined Sadowski causeway and the canals of KCB to witness the city’s annual lighted boat parade. The 2021 contest featured 15 boats ranging from a 10-foot kayak (whose operator pelted the crowd with snowballs like Buddy the Elf) to 45-foot catamarans and cabin cruisers all putting on their best show for the panel of judges. “What a wonderful parade,” said event organizer Ted Fischer. “The boats were all just incredible, and the community was truly the overall winners of the event.
THE WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Best Overall – “Ricochet” by Dennis and Linda Turner
Best in Class, 30 feet and under – “Snowflake” by Jim Stewart
Best in Class, over 30 feet – “New Beginnings” by Ilene B. Clark
30 feet and Under Awards –
Brightest and Most Colorful – “Colorado Magic” by Ron Teke
Most Creative – “Plum Crazy” by Jennifer and Greg Garner
Most Spirited – “Grinch” by Sydney Owen
Over 30 feet Awards –
Brightest and Most Colorful – “Izzy Rose” by Bud Fernandez
Most Creative – “Vicious Cycle” by Paul Lebo
Most Spirited (and loudest, by far) – “Marathon Mermaid” by Angela Tizzano and John Strama
“New Beginnings” by Ilene Clark takes home Best in Class for boats over 30 feet “Colorado Magic” by Ron Teke is the Brightest and Most Colorful winner in the 30 feet and under category. 
The Grinch has stolen his last Christmas thanks to the Key Colony Beach police. 
Boats line the canal waiting for their turn in front of the judges’ stand. “Izzy Rose” by Bud Fernandes is the Brightest and Most Colorful winner for boats over 30 feet
Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
