The Mooloolah River will light up with the spirit of the season this weekend, for the highly-anticipated Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade, organised by Mooloolaba Yacht Club.
MYC Vice Commodore Josh Close said this year’s annual Parade, on Saturday 22nd December, will be the biggest and best ever with up to 60 boats taking part along with a number of waterfront houses on the Parade route.
“The Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade is a wonderful event for the club as we love bringing boaties and the community together to enjoy what can only be described as a magical sight,” Mr Close said.
From 4:30pm, The Wharf Mooloolaba will be hosting a special outdoor broadcast from popular local radio station Mix FM, who have great prizes up for grabs including an annual pass to SeaLife Sunshine Coast as well as several entries to their Swim with Seals experience.
Mr Close said families and friends from across the region, as well as visitors, are invited to gather at The Wharf Mooloolaba, La Balsa Park and other vantage points along the river to see the 6.30pm Parade, which sees local boaties decorate their boats with twinkling lights and other decorations to celebrate the festive season.
“It’s a lot of fun for everyone involved and some of the entrants really go all out to win one of the trophies on offer, like Best Dressed Boat, Brightest Boat, Best New Entry, Best Dressed Kids, and even Best Decorated Houses and Units,” Mr Close said.
“Our Charity beneficiary is Rosies Friends on the Street, who will also be awarding 2 of the best dressed boys and girls in each of the vantage points an annual pass to SeaLife.”
This year, all Parade entry fees go directly to support the Sunshine Coast branch of Rosies Friends on the Street, a Queensland-based community group offering friendship and support to some of our most vulnerable through a street outreach program.
Rosies local coordinator Carolyn Wilson said recent statistics showed nearly 900 people are sleeping rough across the Sunshine Coast.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Mooloolaba Yacht Club,” Ms Wilson said.
“As their charity of choice for the fantastic Mooloolaba Boat Parade our fundraising drive will receive a great kickstart towards the purchase of a new outreach van, which includes a servery and a cargo bay for the swags, toiletries and other items we connect to those in need.”
The Wharf Mooloolaba co-owner, Dirk Long said the Christmas Boat Parade is also particularly exciting time for everyone at The Wharf, as Stage Two of the refurbishment at the popular precinct nears completion.
“Since this time last year, we’ve had several fantastic new restaurants and dining options open at The Wharf, including Il Vento, La Finca, El Bigotón and Fior Di Latte, as well as retail stores – Bedouin Traders, Mikimi Resortwear and Meraki Thread Co., who are all excited to experience the Parade for the first time,” Mr Long said.
“Along with the other restaurants Rice Boi, Saltwater Fish and Chippery, See Restaurant, Chances and Hogs Breath Café, and activity centres, it’s a great opportunity for everyone at The Wharf to celebrate Christmas together.”
To enter the Boat Parade and find out more, visit www.christmasboatparade.net.
This event is made possible with thanks to support from The Wharf Mooloolaba, Nine Sunshine Coast, Mix FM, Sunshine Coast Daily, Waterfront Agents, Reflected Image PRoductions, SeaLife Sunshine Coast, GT Print, Hanrick Curran, Whale One, Christmas Complete, The Dock Mooloolaba, Rice Boi, Saltwater Bistro.
For more information visit www.christmasboatparade.net.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Saturday, 22nd December, 2018
TIME: 4:30pm – 6:30pm Mix FM OB at The Wharf Mooloolaba
6.30pm – 8.30pm (approx.) Christmas Boat Parade
LOCATION: The Wharf Mooloolaba and La Balsa Park
For more vantage points see attached map
