Miami International Boat Parade
2/6/2005 6:28:07 PM by RICK WORLEY
New York has the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, Southern California has the Tournament of Roses Parade and New Orleans has the Mardi Gras Parade. It only seems natural that Miami have a world-class parade of its own. But, what would be the perfect parade for Miami? What in the world could it encompass? Well, take Miamis awesome winter weather, couple it with the most spectacular waterfront in the U.S., mix in a helping of an incredible international community and youll have the inaugural Miami International Boat Parade.
Miami has quickly become one of the most diverse cities in the world. People from all over the globe come to Miami and call it home. The city is full of colorful characters and is rich in art and culture with one of the most breathtaking skylines on the planet. The Miami International Boat Parade will showcase the citys natural beauty and diverse population beginning at 8 p.m. on December 10.
"Having a world-class parade in this world-class city is a natural match," says City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz.
"HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD"
America is a melting pot of different people, cultures and customs. Each of these groups, religions and ethnicities celebrate holidays in a special and unique way. From Christmas to Chanukah to Kwanza; wintertime celebrations are colorful and rich. Many countries weave their own history into these holidays to make them distinctive. The Miami International Boat Parade will celebrate this variety of holidays with the 2005 parade theme,Holidays Around the World. A cavalcade of decorated and lighted boats will help convey this theme with lights, characters, and decorations depicting holiday scenes. "One of the many things that make Miami a paradise and unique is the fact that we can celebrate Christmas on the water. Not to make anyone in the frozen parts of the country jealous, but it is what it is. This says ' shed your overcoat, put on your bathing suit and come on down! '" Chairman of the Miami- Dade County Commission Joe Martinez.
THE MIAMI SKYLINE
The parade route will travel along parts of the Intracoastal Waterway with beautiful downtown Miami as the backdrop. The boats will stage in Biscayne Bay just outside of Coconut Grove. The vessels will then start their journey as they pass under the Rickenbacker Causeway bridge which links Key Biscayne to Miami. Brickell Avenue and Brickell Key are the next landmarks as the procession heads north past the mouth of the Miami River. Just after the river, the parade will continue in front of the parades host hotel, the Intercontinental Hotel and Bayfront Park.
Bayfront Park is headquarters for all land-based events. The park will have food, refreshments and events for the entire family. Entrance to the park is free and open to all. With nearby access to Metrobus and Metrorail, everyone can make it to the park for an evening of family entertainment and an awesome fireworks display. Thousands of spectators will line the park and its neighbor, Bayside Marketplace.
The yachts, powerboats, and sailboats will maintain their course as they pass the American Airlines Arena, home to the Miami Heat and the MTV Video Music Awards. The arena is also home to the Dewars 12 V.I.P. Village which will play host to special sponsor and V.I.P. hospitality areas. The fleet will then make a turn to the east down Cruiseship Channel and parallel to Macarthur Causeway. The parade will then make it way toward Miami Beach. When the parade reaches Miami Beach Marina it will make an about-face and head west back toward downtown Miami. Once the boats arrive back at Bayfront Park, a grand display of fireworks will light up the Miami skyline. The convoy will make a final turn south as the parade winds down and ends. After the parade, all participants are invited to the post-party hosted at the Intercontinental Hotels pool level which overlooks the bay and the parade route.
PARADE WILL BE TELEVISED
NBC6 and Telemundo 51 have partnered with the Miami International Boat parade as the exclusive English and Spanish television stations for the parade. Each station will run promotional and commercial campaigns promoting the parade and its community impact. The stations will broadcast live segments from Bayfront Park during the parade. But, in case you miss the parade, dont fret. Both stations will be taping, producing and airing a half-hour special in English and Spanish. The special will run on NBC6 in English and Telemundo 51 in Spanish. The exact air date has not been announced, but a spokesperson expects it to be either December 24th or 25th.
GALA AND CHARITY AUCTION
The Gala and Charity Auction will be a virtual Whos Who of South Florida with celebrities, municipal and community leaders, sponsors, and other invitees in attendance. The black-tie event will feature five-star meals and live performances by international recording artists. All of the activities will take place in the Intercontinental Hotels Bayfront Room. With its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the room offers incredible views of the bay. The evening will be punctuated with the Charity Auction which will offer up dozens of wonderful items including this years original artwork created by Miamibased artist Carlos A. Navarro.
WORKSHOPS
The week leading up the parade will also feature some free supporting events such as the Decoration Workshop. The workshop will be taught by top-notch float and prop artists. The artists will cover all aspects of boat decorating -- from concept to design to implementation and safety. The U.S. Coast Guard will also be on hand to supply more safety information and safe boating tips. Everyone is encouraged to attend the free workshop. The Coast Guard will also host a safety course. Highlighted in the special course will be electrical safety issues, Intracoastal cruising and night navigation.
PARADE PARTICIPATION
The parade is open to boats of all types and sizes.Small runabouts, sailboats and mega yachts will travelhand-in-hand, says Tony Albelo, parade director. Boat entries will be limited to boats which meet the decoration committees standards and adherence to the parades theme. This type of open plan insures that the parade will be aninclusive event not anexclusive event, says Albelo.
DON'T HAVE A BOAT?
Dont worry. If you dont have a boat, you can still win your way onto many of the sponsored parade boats. The parade boasts an impressive list of radio station partners which will be running contests during November for dozens of chances to win places on a parade mega-yacht. In addition to winning a place on a boat, there will be at least two opportunities to win a boat. Radio stations 99 Jamz, Hot 105, the Coast 97.3, and 93 Rock will run a contest where listeners will have a chance at winning a boat. The boat will be given away the week before the parade. The boat will include a complete holiday decoration package and the winners will participate in the parade. And, after the parade they will get to take the boat home. Listeners of Spanish radio will also have an additional chance by listening to El Zol 95, Classica 92.3, Romance 106.7 and La Gran Cadena 106.3 in the Keys.
While most parts of the country will be hauling out cold-weather clothes, ski equipment, snow blowers and firewood, Miamians will be on the water planning their boats holiday decoration design. The Miami International Boat Parade will embark on a delightful and enchanting evening of fun as it creates a new tradition and the rest of the country looks on.
Decorating Workshop
November 22, 7 p.m.
Dewar's 12 Lounge American Airline Arena
Gala & Charity Auction
December 8, 8 p.m.
Intercontinental Hotel Bayfront Room
Tickets: Included with boat entries and sponsorship packages. Direct sales: $150
Boat Parade
December 10, 8 p.m.
Best Viewing Area: Bayfront Park Tickets: None needed. Entrance to the park is free and open to the public.
Fireworks Display
December 10, 10:30 p.m. (or when the parade makes its 2nd pass)
Best Viewing Area: Bayfront Park or aboard a parade vessel
Post Party
December 10, 11 p.m.
Intercontinental Hotel - pool level Tickets: Available to all participants and online. Direct sales: $25
For more information, call the parade information hotline at 305-461-2700 or visit www.miamiboatparade.com