’Tis the season! The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) is excited to announce the return of the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and toy drive, Palm Beach County’s most treasured tradition. Presented by Intracoastal Yamaha of Jupiter, the parade will benefit Toys for Tots and Little Smiles.
On December 2 at 6 p.m., a floating Zambelli fireworks display will lead the boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway, starting in North Palm Beach and navigating to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The free, family-friendly event will feature up to 80 boats of all sizes decked out with fun decorations and thousands of holiday lights. Radio personalities Mo & Sally with KOOL 105.5 will return as Grand Marshals of the boat parade, with a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.
MIAPBC will collect toys by land and by sea for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. During the first week of November, donation boxes will be placed throughout the county for toy drop-offs. During the boat parade, there will be a “toy fleet” of boats traveling along the parade route that will make convenient dockside pickups. Simply wave a flashlight when you see a boat with toy drive signage, and uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect your donations. Last year, MIAPBC received more than 14,000 toys.
“The parade has become an honored tradition for so many people throughout the years,” says MIAPBC Executive Director Alyssa Freeman. “With our toy fleet and donation boxes, we hope to spread a lot of holiday cheer to children across South Florida.”
The MIAPBC invites local businesses to participate as boat parade sponsors, with packages starting at $500. Package benefits vary and include business exposure through television, radio, print, digital, social media, and public relations. A sponsorship guarantees access to the MIAPBC’s exclusive VIP Viewing Party, with premium views of the boat parade, along with entertainment, food, and drinks. This year, the parade’s top sponsors include the Town of Jupiter, Safe Harbor North Palm Beach Marina, Harbourside Place, Florida Blue, Post 32, and Freedom Boat Club.
Register your boat today and be part of this holiday tradition. A panel of judges will evaluate each vessel based on lights, enthusiasm, and themed décor! Participating vessels are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in cash and prizes.
All vessels must be registered by November 28, 2023. Entry is free with $40 refundable deposit. For more information, visit palmbeachboatparade.com or call (561) 863-0012.
You can follow the boat parade virtually using the free GPS app KnowWake! KnowWake maps coastal waterways for both Android and iPhone users. Simply download the app, create an account, and track the parade as it makes its way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Light up the holidays this year with MIAPBC!
About Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1986. Their mission is to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community, and the environment. The MIAPBC brings the community two annual signature events: the Palm Beach International Boat Show and the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) features billions of dollars of yachts and accessories, with an economic impact of $1.05 billion statewide and $4.7 billion in Palm Beach County. MIAPBC supports over 40 local marine-related events and nonprofits that protect and promote the marine industry in Palm Beach County and beyond, with a portion providing scholarships to deserving students. Since its inception, the MIAPBC has donated over $2.5 million to local nonprofit organizations and scholarship candidates.
