Holiday boat parade theme announced

The Patchogue Riverfront committee, now headed by chairman Billy Kaiser of L.I. Signs and Lighting, plans to host their annual Christmas Holiday Boat Parade on Sunday, Nov. 19, an hour earlier with a 5 p.m. kickoff.

“There is no reason to wait around; it gets darker earlier and colder later,” he said of the reasoning behind the time change.

For 28 years, the committee has hosted the longest-running boat parade and will also continue the public preview party the Saturday prior, on Nov. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Baja Boathouse and Harbor Crab. At the preview, viewers will be able to vote on their favorite decorated boat for the “People’s Choice Award.”

“It is an excellent, free, family entertaining evening. Both of the restaurants will be open for food and drinks,” Kaiser added. “Come down and view the boats up close and vote for your favorite.”

Kaiser, the new chairman, is eager to host this year’s event after being the captain of Dead Reckoning, the boat that carries Santa every year. This year the committee also announced the theme as a Jimmy Buffett Caribbean Christmas, in honor of the late Jimmy Buffett.

“Our first meeting for the parade this year happened to come shortly after the death of Jimmy Buffett. There is absolutely nobody on the planet who understood the joy of living and the magic and freedom that comes when you step on a boat than Jimmy Buffet!”  said committee member Michele LaMartina of the Harbor Crab, who came up with the theme idea. “Not only was Jimmy Buffett born on Christmas Day, but he knew the value of enjoying life to the fullest… especially on the water with family and friends.”