Vote Today For Annapolis' Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland's very own Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is in the running for the top 10 best holiday parades across the country as determined by USA Today. The top 20 best holiday parades were nominated by 10Best Editors with USA Today and local experts. The magnificent parade won the top spot in 2016 and took fourth in 2017.

Marylanders can cast their ballots once per day in this contest until voting ends on Dec. 2 at noon ET. The top 10 winning events, determined by the public's vote, will be announced on Dec. 13. The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade will be held Dec. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek above the Spa Creek Bridge. The Annapolis Harbor will magically fill with boats illuminated in colorful lights as spectators gather along the waterfront to ooh and ahhh over the spectacular sight.

Parade Viewing Information
Dress Warmly: Comfort over style. It's amazing how cold it can get when you stand in one spot for a couple of hours. Remember, there will be two fleets changing positions every hour or so. Don't leave just because the boats seem to.

Radio: WNAV Radio 1430 will provide live coverage of the parade with roving reporters from 6 to 8 p.m. and will report on the winners at 10 p.m. Winners also will be announced over marine radio Channel 72 at 10 p.m.

Where to Watch the Parade
Eastport Bridge: If it's a warm or still night, this is the best vantage point. You can see the fleets both above and below the bridge and get a close-up look as they pass through the bridge. Note: The bridge will be closed to vehicles but open before the parade, at 6:45 and again at 7:45 p.m.
Naval Academy: The length of seawall bordering Spa Creek offers a long, unobstructed viewing area. Check ahead for Naval Academy security regulations that will be in effect.
City Dock: This is a perennial favorite spot for viewers where there is the choice of watching the boats collectively as they parade in the harbor or individually as they negotiate Ego Alley. The Alley spot offers the closest possible look at the decorations as well as the chicken wire and PVC pipe that support them.
Harbor Queen: One fine vantage point at City Dock will be Watermark's Harbor Queen, moored at the end of the dock and conducting the "Queen of All Food Drives" during the parade. Bring a bag of non-perishable food, pet food items, or a cash donation ($10 recommended) and you'll be welcomed aboard. Beverages and snacks available for purchase and proceeds benefit the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.
EYC Lights Parade Dinner & Cruise aboard Catherine Marie: Start with dinner at the Severn Inn, then board Catherine Marie for dessert and champagne to view the parade. Price includes dinner and cruise plus dessert on board. $145/person (this event usually sells out). For more information on public boat events EYC Lights Parade viewing, visit CruisesOnTheBay.com.
Other Spots: If you have friends with offices, homes, or boats along the harbor, this might be a nice time to renew acquaintances. Otherwise, the walkway in front of Annapolis City Marina in Eastport, or any of the streets that dead-end at the harbor or Spa Creek are good spots to view the parade.

• Market, Shipwright & Revel Streets
• Acton Cove
• Southgate, Taney & Cheston Avenues
• Lafayette Park
• Monticello Avenue
• Primrose Rd. (Truxton Park)
• Burnside Street
• Fourth Street
• Third Street
• Second Street
• First Street

The parking site for this year’s parade will be the garage at Park Place, 100 Westgate Circle. There will be signs on Rowe Boulevard and Taylor Avenue directing visitors to the garage. The Free City Shuttle will circulate Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on 20-minute intervals. The EYC Clubhouse will be open only to EYC members, their families, and invited/accompanied guests. Wristbands will be required.

Spectators also can watch the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade anywhere around the world on any mobile device or HD TV set via livestream.

Photo courtesy of Eastport Yacht Club, used with permission