Lighted Boat Parades
-Montague Harbour, Galiano Island: Come join the fun on December 7 as
Santa arrives by ship. There'll be presents for the kids from the jolly
old elf himself. The event starts at 2:30 p.m., with the ship arriving
at 3:45 p.m. Sponsored by the Lion's Club. Contact Galiano Island Visitor's
Association at (250) 539-2233.
-Harbour Quay, Port Alberni: Watch the lights of the season sail past
via a parade of boats on December 8. Open to entrants of different categories.
Contact Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Info at (250)
724-6535.
-Deep Bay Marina, Qualicum: The Annual Carol Ships Night on December
8 will see beautifully illuminated carol ships sail the harbour. Warm
up around the bonfire, join the carol singalong, and enjoy warm food
and beverages. All proceeds go to the Deep Bay Volunteer Fire Department.
Contact Ben or Chris at (250) 757-8765.
-Transfer Beach, Ladysmith: On December 14 participate or simply watch
this beautiful evening parade of boats with spectacular displays of
Christmas lights. This event takes place in Ladysmith's historic harbour.
Come down for hot dogs, a bonfire and fireworks. Information available
by calling (250) 245-5048.
-Ladysmith: Ride a lit up ferry to Ladysmith and back-a magical Christmas
hour on the water on December 15. Call (250) 246-3132 for more information.
Carol
Ships Parade of Lights
The ever-popular Christmas Carol Ships
Parade of Lights occurs from November 30 to December 23 this year.
Boat owners and cruise ships from around Greater Vancouver decorate
their vessels and cruise around the waters of Vancouver Harbour.
On peak evenings, this holiday tradition
has grown to more than 80 decorated boats, with in excess of 150,000
lights, and carries over 45,000 people during the 23-night festival.
Along with many community-based shoreside celebrations, more than
200,000 people enjoyed the parade in 2001.
Carol Ships Parade of Lights is a community
event that has become one of the premier attractions during the December
holiday season. It is a special event benefiting businesses, charities
and the community.
Carol Ships Parade of Lights Society
began over 41 years ago with one boat decorated with Christmas lights
in Coal Harbour off the Bayshore Inn (now the Westin Bayshore Resort
and Marina). The Parade of Lights now raises close to $10,000 to support
such charities as the CKNW Orphan's Fund and the Vancouver Province
Empty Stocking Fund.
This year's parade will provide a spectacular
sailpast each evening visiting many marine communities, including
False Creek, Burrard Inlet, West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park, Fisherman's
Cove, Eagle Harbour, Coal Harbour, Port Moody, Deep Cove, Woodlands,
Brighton Beach, Bedwell Bay, Bellcara Park, Indian Arm and Bowen Island.
For more information and a detailed
parade schedule, call (604) 878-8999 or visit www.carolships.org.
Fraser
Valley Boat and Sportsmen's Show
The 12th annual Fraser Valley Boat and
Sportsmen's Show and Country Living Show is BC's biggest and best
show of its type featuring the latest products in everything from
boats and camping equipment to cottage and cabin living. The two shows
run simultaneously March 7-9 at TRADEX in Abbotsford (Exit 83 south
on Hwy. 1).
The Fraser Valley Boat and Sportsmen's
Show has over 250 displays including boat and marine accessories,
fishing tackle manufacturers and retailers, lodges and resorts, RVs
and campers, camping equipment, ATVs and accessories. The show features
a Kid's Fishin' Pond, Guppy Races, a "try before you buy"
casting pool, the Wild Cookin' Stage, non-stop fishing expert demos
and seminars, and ATV demonstrations.
The Country Living Show features over
100 displays of new products and valuable information on building,
upgrading, renovating or buying recreational property, cabins and
country homes, plus a great selection of builders and building supplies,
alternative energy, tanks and equipment, and rustic furniture. Visitors
will benefit from a series of "Show-Me-How" information
sessions presented by country living specialists.
Show hours: Mar. 7, noon to 9 p.m.;
Mar. 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Mar. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission (all
prices include admission to both shows): Adults $8; Seniors (60+)
$6; Students (616) $4; Kids five and under are admitted free;
Family pass (max. two adults) $20. For more information call 604-683-4766
or toll-free at 1-877-888-7111, or visit www.reel-shows.com.
Boat
Shows
The 2003 Vancouver International Boat
Show is scheduled for February 5-9, 2003 at BC Place Stadium and Bayshore
Marina. Contact the Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows for further
information at (604) 294-1313 or www.sportshows.ca.
Dates have been set for the January
2003 boat shows in Seattle. The 56th Annual Seattle Boat Show at the
Seahawk Stadium and Exhibition Center will run Jan. 17-26. The recent
opening of Seahawk Stadium has provided extra space for the Seattle
Boat Show to display larger sailboats, and eight keelboats from 24-
to 42-feet will be displayed in a new Sailing Center. Tickets may
be purchased in advance at www.seattleboatshow.com. Online ticket
purchasers will be offered free parking at Safeco Field.
The NYBA Seattle Boats Afloat Show
at Chandler's Cove on Lake Union runs Jan. 17-26. The Lake Union Show
provides a superb opportunity to inspect approximately 250 power and
sail boats, many of them previously owned. The Boats Afloat Show is
highly regarded for the wide variety of slightly more affordable boats
available. The two fine shows combine to create one of the largest
boat- and gear-shopping extravaganzas in the United States. 
We Want
to Hear From You
Interested in contributing to the Boat Journal? Want to let us know
about an upcoming event in your area? Have any comments or suggestions
regarding editorial? Please contact the editor by calling (250) 216-6593,
e-mailing julie@boatjournal.com,
or mailing to editor, c/o 589C Bay Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 1P5. We
want to know what's going on around your dockside!
