Boast the Coast Lighted Boat Parade calls for entries

The 18th Annual Boast the Coast maritime festival takes place around the water in Lewes from 11 a.m. until dusk, Saturday, Oct. 5.  The culmination of the maritime-themed activities associated with the festival is the popular Lighted Boat Parade at dusk.

Registered boats line up at Roosevelt Inlet at 6:15 p.m. and wind their way down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal arriving at Fisherman’s Wharf at approximately 7 p.m. Spectators can view the parade of lighted boats from anywhere along the canal from Roosevelt Inlet to the drawbridge next to Fisherman’s Wharf. The judges’ reviewing stand will be at Fisherman’s Wharf.

It does not cost anything for boat owners to enter the parade, and all boat entries will receive prizes and will be eligible for two cash prizes. The Captains’ Reception following the parade recognizes all the participants and their contributions to making the event a success. Blue Sea Café is sponsoring the Captains’ Reception again this year to which all the entries and their crew are invited following the parade.

Boats are judged in three categories: Power under 25 feet, Power 25 feet and over, and Sail. Cash prizes are awarded for the Best Use of Lights and Most Creatively Decorated Boat. Boats must comply with Coast Guard standards for safe boating.

To register, boat owners can pick up entry forms at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the Fisher-Martin House next to the Zwaanendael Museum or call 302-645-8073 to have one mailed.