Boat Parade of Lights Delivered Dazzling Success

January 06, 2025

by Destination Panama City

PANAMA CITY, FL - The 38th Annual Boat Parade of Lights once again illuminated St. Andrews Bay with a breathtaking display of holiday spirit, community pride, and creative brilliance. This cherished Panama City tradition brought together locals and visitors alike to witness a spectacular showcase of festively adorned vessels cruising along the waterfront.

The parade route meandered along seven miles of the bayfront, from St. Andrews Yacht Club all the way to the Hathaway Bridge. Highlights and spectacular viewing locations included the Holiday Village at the Downtown Panama City Marina, Deck the Drews festivities hosted by Keep St. Andrews Salty, the Merry & Bright Bayside Night at Papa Joe's Bayside, and a dockside watch party at Sun Harbor Marina.

Celebrating the 2024 Winners & Honorable Mentions
People's Choice Prize (Valued at over $800)

Boat 12 - Reel Lady

Captain: Derrick Dorsey

Message: Merry Christmas from the Reel Lady crew at Gulf Coast Excursions! Offering private dolphin tours, day trips, and fishing charters.

Judges' Choice Prize (Valued at over $450)

Boat 10 - Big Bee

Captains: Rory & Marianne Drew

Theme: "Blues in the Drews" featuring local soloist, Dionzia, the seven-member "Up 2 You" choir ensemble led by Jerome Page, and "Atomic Alice" as a live angel at the ship's bow. This 1946 tugboat, built by the Arnold Walker Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, was a crowd favorite.

Destination Panama City's Choice Prize (Valued at over $275)

Boat 3 - Serenity Now

Captain: Max McCord

Theme: This old diesel trawler embraced its quirky charm, exuding a "George Costanza"-like spirit -- awkward, persistent, and undeniably lovable. Captain McCord and crew shared plenty of holiday joy.

Community Partners & SponsorsThe success of this beloved event would not have been possible without the support of community partners and sponsors. Special thanks to iHeartMedia Panama City, 92.5 WPAP, Sunny 98.5, Bay Cars, Fuel Mule Fillup, Redfish Foundation, House of Henry, and the City of Panama City. Their generosity and support brought holiday magic to Panama City's waterfront.