7pm Saturday December 21, 2024
Written by Alistair Gray
Pictures provided by Ritchie Bloomfield
It is all fun, bright lights and exciting sights at the Christmas lights parade.
It is party time! Christmas has arrived and it's time to get your friends and kids together for the annual Bribie Island Christmas Lights Parade. Find your favourite spot, fire up the barbie, crack open a beer or grab a glass of champagne, sit back and enjoy the fun as the boats decorated with Christmas lights file past. Every year, you will find the best advantage spots chocked full of locals and visitors as they enjoy the lights, the warmth of the early evening and being part of our local Bribie community.
More than 30 boats have registered for the parade dressed in colourful lights, many flashing, some playing loud music as they pass through the Pacific Harbour canals and onto Pumicestone passage to create excitement and a festive atmosphere. The boats are safely guided through the canals thanks to the help of the Bribie Island Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR).
New live entertainment
This year, the organisers of Bribie Aquatic Community Events (BACE), also known for running the 25-year-old Classic Boat Regatta, have introduced some live entertainment. Local celebrity artist Kiani Smith, our 2024 Australian Idol competitor, will sing up a storm and entertain the crowds. Entertainer Grace Alexandra will pump out some tunes, followed by a laser light show. The laser lights will run in 20-minute bursts between when the flotilla passes the marina area and include multi-coloured aerial sky-beams, smoke machines and water plumes—something not to be missed.
"This year's event has been made possible thanks to our main sponsors including QM Properties, Bribie Realty and ABC Transfers," BACE committee member Ritchie Bloomfield said.
The most popular viewing area is always around the Pacific Harbour Marina precinct, close to food and craft markets, which makes it an excellent viewing point. Other favourite viewing points include Kakadu Beach, Sea Eagle Park and Sunset Park.
The day's program
1.30pm – The day will start with the Bribie Island VMR cruising the canals with Santa and his helpers delivering lolly bags to waiting children and maybe a Schmacko or two for the waiting pooches. Just listen out for Santa's bell.
4pm - 8pm - The munch markets will offer locally crafted Christmas gifts, loads of food vans and face painting, along with live entertainment from Kiana Jazz and Grace Alexandra at the Pacific Harbour Marina.
6.30pm - The boat participants will gather around the main canal, adjacent to the Pacific Harbour Marina, for a 7pm start on their journey through the canals.
Want to enter your boat in the parade?
There is still time to enter—entries close on December 16, 2024.
Go to www.bace.org.au or scan the QR Code.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BribieIslandBoatParade or contact event coordinator Ritchie Bloomfield on 0488 424 240.
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