Alafia Lighted Boat Parade

Description

The first Alafia Lighted Boat Parade was held in Riverview in 1984, featuring a celebration of the holiday season and a parade of brightly decorated boats. Previously hosted by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, the event has been presented by the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview since 2008. 

Traditionally occurring on the first Saturday in December, the Alafia Lighted Boat Parade has evolved to take various forms. This year’s parade will start from the 301 bridge at 6:00 pm and the parade will continue past the Civic Center to “The Diddy” and then back past the Civic Center ending at River’s Edge Bar and Grill where the award ceremony for the best decorated boats will be held. We are encouraging Boaters to put in at Williams Park Boat Ramp (9425 Highway 41 South, Riverview, FL 33578) and avoid the Civic Center (after 3 pm) ramp for parking purposes.

There will be a Chili Cook-Off and refreshments ($5.00 donation to taste the chili) and entertainment at the Civic Center with photo opportunity available for the children with Santa. Additionally, this year, the Civic Center will be presenting a free Family Holiday themed movie which will begin after the second pass of the boats at the Civic Center. Also, we are pleased to announce that the Brandon South Global Rotary Club will be hosting a Gingerbread house competition and silent auction at the Civic Center during the boat parade.

Additional parking will be available at the Riverview 1st Baptist Church (on the corner of Balm Riverview Road and 301) and shuttles will run throughout the event from the Church to the Civic Center.

Anyone interested in entering their boat in the parade is encouraged to do so by contacting Mike Broussard at michael.broussard@flyinglocksmith.com. Entry Fee is $25.00 donation. Any boat is invited to attend, however, only registered boats are eligible for prizes. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available as well and, as always, 100% of proceeds will support the charitable activities of the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview and Hillsborough County. For more information contact Jamie Simons at jsimons@pilka.com.