Manchester Harbormaster Bion Pike is encouraging local boaters to take part in a community boat parade that will be a centerpiece of Manchester-by-the-Sea's Rev250 celebration over the Fourth of July weekend.
The parade, scheduled for Friday, July 3, from 2 to 4 p.m., is open to virtually all powerboats, whether or not they are based in Manchester Harbor. Organizers hope to fill the harbor with festively decorated vessels as part of the town's observance of America's 250th anniversary. The parade directly precedes Manchester's fireworks display, planned for that evening on Singing Beach.
Residents can watch the parade from Tuck's Point, Reed Park or Masconomo Park, while participating boaters will cruise through Manchester Harbor in a procession highlighting the town's maritime heritage.
Prizes for the best-decorated boats will be awarded following the parade. Sponsors include Cala's Restaurant, Captain Dusty's, Style Snoop, Quantum Sails, 35 Beach and the Manchester Sailing Association. Winners will be announced over VHF radio after the parade.
To participate, vessels must be capable of maintaining a speed of at least five knots under power. For safety reasons, sailboats under sail and human-powered craft will not be permitted in the parade.
Boat owners wishing to participate should register with organizer Mike Opal by providing their boat name, type, size, planned post-parade docking or mooring location, and the skipper's contact information. The docking information will be used to determine the parade's order of march.
An optional skippers meeting will be held at the Manchester Yacht Club at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, to review parade logistics and answer participants' questions. A cash bar will be available.
The boat parade is one of several events planned as Manchester celebrates the nation's semiquincentennial, joining the community's traditional Independence Day festivities with a special emphasis this year on America's 250th birthday. Boaters interested in participating may contact Mike Opal at mopal@live.com or 781-354-4654.
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