Memorial Holiday Boat Parade Winners
Best in Parade winner “Puff the Magic Dragon” taken by Drew Braun. In spite of chilling temperatures, extreme low tides, and a weak economy the Memorial Holiday Boat Parade had forty-seven spectacularly decorated boats putting on one of the best water parades on the west coast. Captains, crews, and boats from as far north as Tarpon Springs and south to St. Petersburg assembled in Mandalay Channel and started the parade route at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th. This year the parade route included passing by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Island Way Grill. The Best in Parade winner was Captain Drew Braun with his green Puff the Magic Dragon creation. Captain Braun devoted two years in the planning and over 120 hours building the decorations. When told of his winning Captain Braun said “he and his crew were over-whelmed by the cheering reaction of the on-lookers.” Captain Braun is donating his grand prize to Toys for Tots charity. The Memorial Holiday Parade organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club is the largest in the area. The 2008 parade which is in its 34th year honored the memory of Nur Ulgen a member of the yacht club who passed away during this year. Judges for the parade were Island Estates Yacht Club Commodore Wayne Millington, Clearwater City Manager, Bill Horne and Clearwater Yacht Club General Manager Tom Brusini. Judging took place from the Clearwater Yacht Club watchtower. The 2008 winners are: Best In Parade: NO BOAT NAME – Drew Braun in a Ren Marine Prowler 306Twenty-three local businesses contributed money as well as gift certificates for prizes. The Memorial Holiday Boat Parade is always the second Saturday of December.
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