Lighted boats decorated to this year’s “Christmas in the Keys” theme will illuminate Key Largo’s Blackwater Sound for the 2024 Key Largo Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Presented by the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, the evening will culminate with a fireworks display sponsored by Plantation Boat Mart in Islamorada.
Boats can enter the lighted parade for free, with $5,000 in cash and prizes on the line — up from $2,500 last year — in various categories for small and large vessels. Boats will vie for Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Use of Theme, Best Business, Best Boat Under 25 Feet and Best Boat Over 25 Feet.
“This year’s theme opens the door for boat parade participants to get creative with decorations, costumes, and music,” said Elizabeth Hladky, Key Largo Sunset Rotary president. “With plenty of prizes and gifts up for grabs, it’s the perfect opportunity to join in the fun and showcase your holiday spirit on the water!”
With assistance from Sea Tow, boats will line up near Dusenbury Creek Green Marker 41 around 6:30 p.m. in anticipation of a 7:30 p.m. start. Spectators can get a good glimpse of the boat parade from bayside destinations like Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Sundowners, Caribbean Club and Reefhouse Resort & Marina. Boats will continue the procession to Riviera Village, MM 104 .
“We appreciate the assistance from our friends at Sea Tow for ensuring all boat parade participants know what to expect and where to go,” said Lisa Feliciano, past president and event chair.
Following the parade, fireworks will light the skies of Blackwater Sound. The fireworks display is sponsored by Plantation Boat Mart and Dennis De La Torre, owner. Located at MM 90.4, bayside,, Plantation Boat Mart has been a part of the community for 36 years. De La Torre bought the business in 1996.
“We want to bring the community together for this event,” said son Ryan De La Torre. “I’ve always loved this event growing up and seeing a great fireworks display.”
Those wishing to sign up their boats for the parade can visit keylargoboatparade.com and click on the parade entry form at the top of the page. Boat parade entrants get a ditty bag stocked with wine and other items. They also will receive a boat parade shirt and a Keys Deep shirt.
Stay up to date with all the happenings by following the Key Largo Boat Parade on Facebook. Proceeds from the boat parade go to support the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club’s efforts to assist the community. The Rotary Club holds a monthly social with the residents at Oasis at the Keys Nursing & Rehab on Plantation Key. In addition, the club supports organizations throughout the Upper Keys, including Coral Shores athletics, Key Largo School, MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Wesley House.
