Lighted boat parades on local waterways start this weekend and continue through the month.
East River
The 2025 East River Lighted Christmas Boat Parade, sponsored by the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, will take place on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Dec. 7.
Parade organizers have asked participating boats to gather near Poplar Grove on East River by 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin at 6, proceeding north on the river past Williams Wharf Landing toward Long Point. After turning, the procession will head back toward Williams Wharf and pause for up-close viewing.
The public is invited to view the parade from the wharf; donations to MVFD will be accepted there. Parking will be available at the wharf’s parking area, with overflow parking on the lot at Williams Wharf Road.
John Raymond Bassett, MVFD Incident Response Team Captain, will lead the parade in the department’s fire boat.Chief Ronnie Lewis will present a Best in Show award.
Boat owners are asked to contact Donn...