|
Friends
of the
River
San Bernard
hold
Second
Annual 4th of July Boat Parade
Friends Of the River San Bernard (FOR San Bernard),
will light off its second
4th of
July celebration with a twilight boat parade
Saturday, July 7. Even braving rain and a cloudy
sky, last year’s event was an unqualified success –
and this year, an even better turnout is expected.
The route for this year’s parade starts under the
bridge at F.M. 2611 (Churchill Bridge) and will
proceed downriver in 2 phases. This parade route
marks the second time a San Bernard boat parade will
give the residents of the “end of the river” their
own parade.
The
boat parade is open to everyone – there is no entry
fee and you do not have to be a resident of Brazoria
County to participate. Any kind or size of boat or
Jet Ski can be decorated (or not, at your
discretion) and entered into the parade which starts
at 5:00 p.m. Entered boats should be in the water
and ready for parade line-up by 4:30 p.m. Rivers
residents living along the parade route are
encouraged to decorate their homes and docks and
turn out to greet the boaters.
At 2
J’s Café and Marina (the end of phase 1 of the
parade), boats may stop and enjoy the Awards banquet
featuring an American delicacy – hot dogs with all
the trimmings! Bring your coolers filled with your
favorite refreshment. Enjoy the hot dogs, awards and
door prizes given away to parade participants.
After the awards and hot dogs, those who wish to
make it home before dark can head home. But those
who wish to continue the parade (phase 2) and view a
terrific fireworks display from the water, can
parade on down the San Bernard to the intersection
of the Intracoastal Canal or the “Point”. Find a
good place to anchor at that intersection and look
towards Sargent. At dark, the River’s End Volunteer
Fire Dept. will set off their annual fireworks
display. Many other local fireworks displays (as far
away as Freeport) can also be seen from that vantage
point. When the fireworks explode, both the sky and
the water light up in celebration.
If
you view the fireworks from the water, please make
sure you are prepared for the conditions. Bring bug
spray, some cold soft drinks, and remember to follow
all safety regulations for boating at night because
you will be returning after dark.
Think of a theme, decorate your boat, participate in
the parade and make a river 4th of July memory of
your own on July 7th . For boat entry numbers and
more information, contact Jana Gardner at
979-964-4075, or Vanessa or Nelson Taylor at
979-964-4402 or just show up at the first Boat
Parade meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14th at
2 J’s Café and Marina. Continue to monitor
www.sanbernardriver.com
for parade information and entry forms. Come out,
meet your neighbors and show your pride in your
country and your river. |
