“This year it’s all hands on deck with the 108th Newport Beach Boat Parade!

The sparkly celebration is woven into the very fabric of our beach city and is known locally, nationally, and even internationally.”

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The Newport Beach Boat
Parade: Over A Century of Lights

~ by Jill McLean

Storytelling of traditions and longtime culture in Newport Beach, CA.

 

CLIENT
Newport Coast Living Magazine

SCOPE
Community Collaboration
Event History + Storytelling

 
 


“Over the years, there have been

two World Wars that interrupted the parade, but the people loved it so much that it stayed strong and re-emerged within good time. After one break from 1915-1919, Joseph Beek knew it was time to renew the sparkle and hope in the people, so he took leadership of the parade once again, calling it the ‘Tournament of Lights’, inspired by the ‘Pasadena Tournament of Roses’.”


“Bundled up in cozy winter wear

and scarves, droves of visitors and residents alike can enjoy the festivities along shore in homes, restaurants and clubs, in addition to adding their own flair to the parade by decorating the houses and docked vessels as part of the Ring of Lights. Fireworks over the harbor illuminate the skies while Newport Beach glistens from a spectacular tradition that continues to bring joy and good cheer to all.'“

 


“The adventures delighted the people

so much that Scarpa brought it back the following July and formalized it further. Collaborating with a few other boat operators, they designed a simple parade of 9 vessels (eight canoes and one gondola leading) with Japanese lanterns brightly lit, coining the name “Illuminated Water Parade”. The lovely event was taken to a brighter level in 1913 when the introduction of prizes and awards came into play, garnering excitement for participants and viewers that continues to this day.”


“Today’s experience of what we now

call the Newport Beach Boat Parade is an incredible display of imagination and creativity, with everything from LED screens, traditional lights and decorations, canoes and rowboats, fully-decked modern yachts, and everything in between—all showcasing inventive holiday sparkle.


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