Weather cooperates, to the delight of boat parade crowd

The miracle of Christmas came to La Conner early this year.

On a day that began with fierce winds that brought down trees and power lines across Puget Sound and imposed choppy currents on local waterways, then ended with a cold, drizzly rain – and in some cases hail – a two-hour evening window of calm, comfortable weather emerged here. Clouds parted and the almost-full moon was plainly visible.

It just so happened that last Saturday's respite from harsh wintry conditions coincided with the annual Swinomish Yacht Club lighted boat parade on Swinomish Channel.

The brightly lit flotilla set off just after 6 p.m. and completed its up-and-back run between La Conner Marina and Rainbow Bridge by 6:45 p.m.

"Sometimes," said Mayor Marna Hanneman, among the large throng that turned out for the much-anticipated event, "you just need to have faith.

"They say the rain is holding off until 7," she added, "so it couldn't be more perfect."

Comprised of individual entries and those representing the La Conner area's yacht clubs, the boats were cheered on by enthusiastic spectators lining the boardwalk and viewing from other strategic spots on both sides of the channel.

Many took in the scene while dining at restaurants with waterfront views. Some photographers captured brilliant images from the bridge.

The 2024 parade sported the theme "Classic Characters" and paid homage to the popular animated films "Frozen" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

Ten to 12 boats participated. It was hard to determine the actual count since a couple dimly lit vessels cruised the waterfront at the start and end.

"I bet they're asking, 'Are we part of this?'" one woman said of an undecorated boat that stealthily slipped by.

There was little doubt, however, when it came to the core group of pleasure craft that donned flashing lights, inflatable holiday characters such as Frosty the Snowman and played amplified Christmas music.

Children gathered near The Waterfront Café enjoyed counting down in unison, "3, 2, 1...Merry Christmas!" as the boats passed by. Each time they were rewarded with hearty responses from those onboard.

"Thanks for coming out!" a parade participant shouted.

"Look at the next one!" an excited youth exclaimed at one point. "Wow! Look at all the inflatables."

His glee was much appreciated.

Group Christmas caroling on the boardwalk further added to the holiday atmosphere, as did several Santa sightings.

The one-and-only Santa Claus, just returned from his busy visit to La Conner the weekend before, managed to hitch rides – at least in inflatable form – on various parade vessels. His reindeer were believed to be resting under cover of nightfall on a nearby farm, gathering strength for their upcoming Christmas Eve round-the-world flight.

Folks of all ages celebrated the parade. Parents held little ones up to see the procession. Grandparents strolled the boardwalk, some guiding their leashed pooches.

It was in all respects a family affair.

"It's great to see so many people in town," said Hanneman, drawing a contrast to the relatively sparse turnout a year ago when a driving rainstorm limited parade attendance.

Swinomish Yacht Club members were appreciative as well.

"We want to thank everyone from the Shelter Bay Yacht Club, La Conner Yacht Club or as an individual who participated in our parade," the SYC said in a social media post afterward. "We also want to thank everyone who watched from land. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did."

By all accounts, they did.