Parade of Lighted Boats Returning to Middle River

The Parade of Lighted Boats is coming back to the Essex-Middle River area.

Following a one-year hiatus, the eighth annual parade will help the community kick off the holiday season, beginning at 6 p.m. Nov. 26 at Wilson Point and stretching throughout Essex and Middle River.

The free event can be viewed from Wilson Point State Park or one of the many waterfront restaurants in the area, including , and .

Pat Williford, of Stansbury Yacht Marina, had organized the parade for years as a fundraiser for Chesapeake Bay Memories. But when the non-profit could no longer do the parade, she decided to find a way to bring it back to the community.

“We’ve gotten great local sponsors for the parade and there won’t be any judging of the boats,” Williford said. “It’s just a way to bring the community together.”

The parade route will start at Dark Head Cove, go into Frog Mortar Creek; travel into Hopkins Creek before returning to Dark Head Cove. Williford said there are 23 boats registered for the parade.

Sponsors for the event include Carson's Creekside, Baltimore Boating Center, Debbie Henninger of Keller Williams Realty, Pizza John's, Stansbury Yacht Basin, River Watch, Marli's, Blitz Mobile Detailing & Yacht Services and Bay Assist.

Those interested in participating in the parade can contact Williford at 410-686-3909 or Jim High at 410-404-3013.