Tampa, Florida - Lighted Boat Parade

[ralphsmithiii]

This may be a long shot but has anyone here participated in the lighted boat parade that happens the week of Christmas (12/21) here in Tampa, Florida?

Friends of the Riverwalk : Events & News : Events : Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

thetampariverwalk.com

I'm looking to get out in the evening and do it for the first time with friends but I'm not clear as where we're expected or able to drop in at near this location. My first thoughts is Davis Island boat ramp as I believe its open 24/7. I couldn't find any info via the registration link and I have yet to hear back from their Facebook page.

I'm adding in some OPT-7 LEDs soon like others here have done and for lights, I may keep it simple this first time and buy a few sets of the battery powered LED Christmas lights and wrap the tower with them and around the outside/topside of the boat. I do have plenty of battery (two group 31 AGMS) and I could install an inverter(?) but the battery ones are pretty cheap considering.

Anyhow, looking for anyone who has experience with this run, where you dropped in, how was it, etc...

 

[Dean P]

We go to the St Petersburg boat parade. Also, our neighborhood has one too. Was not aware of Tampa's boat parade but makes sense.

Check HERE for boat ramps.

Davis Island would make the most sense but I'm sure it'll be packed. Might be worth a trip to check it out.

 

[Mystic1906]

@ralphsmithiii @DeanP

I was considering participating in a parade over here in Winter Park last weekend. Was kind of last minute and I didn't have a generator to power all the lights so I didn't end up doing it. I would be interested to see some pics of how you were able to decorate the boat. Probably will put it on the list of things I want to do next year.

 

[nofd843]

Any lessons learned from the lighted boat parades?