Festival of Lights a ‘Huge Success’
Stone Harbor’s back bays made quite a spectacle of themselves during the Festival of Lights parade on Saturday, Aug. 5. The event, hosted by the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, presented more than 30 boats and 17 docks decorated to fit this year’s theme, the magical world of Disney.
“This year’s Festival of Lights boat parade was a huge success due to the help of so many people in Stone Harbor, from Cape May County and the New Jersey State Marine Police,” said Peter Miner, general manager of the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor. “The ends of streets were filled with locals and visitors alike, watching the beautifully decorated boats and docks. Everyone had a fabulous time, both on and off the water, and returned back to their docks safely.”
Yacht Club staffers transformed their property into a scene from Mickey Mouse’s Clubhouse, complete with Mickey and Minnie décor, for the annual Stone Harbor boat parade. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and live entertainment provided by the Drop Dead Sexy band. Competition categories included Best Dock Décor, Best Boat Décor and Best Costume.
The Scott family captured first place in the Best Boat Décor category for its “Mary Poppins” boat. Second place went to the Russell family for “Tarzan,” and the Renneisen family took third for “Jungle Book.” The Dock Décor winner, inspired by “Toy Story,” was Lauth family’s dock. Second place was awared to the Nasellis for “Frozen,” and third place was presented to the Griessers for “Pirates of Shelter Haven.” In the Best Costume category, the Smiths won first place for pirate-themed costumes inspired by “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Will Wendel, dressed as Troy from “High School Musical” and the rest of his “cast” (the Gorelick and Wendel families) received second place. Third place was presented to the Mead and Kurtzman families for their rendition of “101 Dalmatians.”
The top three finishers in each category were presented a variety of prizes donated by these local businesses:
Harbor Burger Bar, Harbor Square Theatre, Island Water Sports, Fred’s Tavern, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 96th Street Bar and Grill, and Seashore Ace.
Since its revival in 2014 after a 40-year hiatus, the Festival of Lights continues to grow each year. Be sure to start thinking of your creative costumes and décor for your boats and docks for next year’s event. Scheduled for Aug. 11, 2018, the parade promises to once again light the waterways and bring the community together for a night of fun.
