|
This week is the Christmas Boat Parade (95th annual, since 1907) in Newport harbor. Festivities begin Wednesday the 17th, and conclude Sunday the 21st. I go every year. It has become a tradition. Things get "underway" about 6:30, and wrap up about 8:30. On Friday and Saturday nights, they keep going a little later. I like to ride the (3-minute) Balboa Island Ferry over. If you've read the novel The Golden Orange by Joseph Wambaugh [ex-Los Angeles police officer, most famous for The Onion Field, a true story], you know that he begins his story with the captain of the Balboa Island Ferry crashing his vessel into extravagantly lighted yachts during the Christmas Boat Parade. Get there early, because parking will be insane. And dress warm. It gets cold on the water. A ride on the ferris wheel provides a great view of the parade. The best thing is if you actually know someone who has a boat in the parade. That would be cool. Hope to see you there. The Chamber of Commerce discusses it here. It even made its way into National Geographic's Calender of Events. Want more info? Here's a Google search pre-configured for the terms: newport + harbor + christmas + boat + parade. |
|
Great book. I can't ride the ferry without recalling that scene.
Posted by: Dizz at December 13, 2003 01:29 AM