The City-by-the-Sea celebrates its vibrant waterfront community on Friday, November 29, at 6:00 p.m. with the annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade every Holiday Season.
The grassroots parade, founded 25 years ago by then-Harbormaster Jake Farrell, has grown into a cherished holiday tradition in Newport. Leaders at Newport Yacht Club have embraced the boat parade to provide a permanent host home for the parade for the enjoyment of the community.
“Since our founding in 1894, visitors to Newport Yacht Club have been experiencing the beauty of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. On behalf of our members, we are thrilled to be home to this long-standing holiday tradition,” states F.J. Ritt, Commodore, Newport Yacht Club.
Spectators can view the dazzling display of nautical holiday spirit from many points on the Newport waterfront as the decorated vessels circumnavigate Newport Harbor. WADK will broadcast parade coverage with host Martha Parker and Bruce Newbury on 1540 AM Radio starting at 6:00 p.m.
Update: November 29 – Organizers have informed us that Bruce Newbury/WADK will no longer be broadcasting this event.
Viewing of the parade is free, making this a great family event to get into the spirit of the holiday season. The Parade boats rendezvous south of the Goat Island Causeway and then proceed east, passing Newport Yacht Club, where the panel of judges will be located. The parade continues past Perrotti Park, then passes Bowen’s and Bannister’s Wharf with the finish of the harbor loop at Goat Island Causeway. The Best vantage points for spectators include Perrotti Park, Bowen’s & Bannister’s Wharves, and points around Newport Harbor.
Magnificently decorated vessels will compete for a first-place award in the following categories: Best Decorated Sailboat (commercial and recreational), Best Decorated Powerboat (commercial and recreational), Best Decorated Fishing Boat, and the parade’s most festive category, The Tim Mills Team Spirit Award. This award, named after former harbormaster Tim Mills, is given to the boat that best embodies the spirit of community and camaraderie. It’s a tribute to Tim’s dedication to the parade and his love for the Newport waterfront. Following the conclusion of the parade, the awards ceremony will be held at the Newport Yacht Club promptly at 7:30pm.
Any organization, business, or boat owner that would like to participate in the Annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade is asked to REGISTER FOR BOAT PARADE ONLINE by 12:00 p.m. on November 28th.
The event is proudly hosted by the Newport Yacht Club, in partnership with the City of Newport, Discover Newport, and community volunteers.
