There will be some magic under the moonlight Sunday, Dec. 12 as the Parade Of Lights gets going with a flotilla of brightly decorated boats venturing out of the Santa Barbara Harbor just as dark settles. Be there or you get no magic under the moonlight.
If you haven’t already guessed it, the theme for this year’s Parade Of Lights is Magic Under the Moonlight.
Your faithful captain will again serve as the emcee on Stearns Wharf. The Waterfront Department is showing its courage by trusting me with a microphone and potentially thousands of people. That takes some brass you-know-whats. I’ve been doing it for years, and I never let them down.
The fun begins about mid-afternoon in the west end of the harbor with festive holiday decorations, and I hear they may import some snow for the kids to play in. This is a big event for the community, and it is a fun one. Come be a part of our coastal community spirit.
Even if it is a warm afternoon, be sure to bring along sweaters, jackets, and maybe even mittens because while the evening may hold magic, it is likely to be chilly. Some folks dress like it was an event at the North Pole, while others go full-on Santa Barbara with sandals, shorts and T-shirts, pretending they aren’t turning blue with frostbite.
Once dusk settles, many folks move from the harbor to out on Stearns Wharf for the best viewing of the highly decorated lighted boats. The vessels will move out of the harbor, turn west up to the Yacht Club, then turn east and pass Stearns Wharf on their way to near the East Beach volleyball courts, move inshore, and turn back toward the wharf.
As the boats approach the wharf on the east side, they will come right up alongside for the most intimate viewing. That’s where I will be calling out the boats and shouting questionable things like, “Double rations of grog for the entire crew!” The saltwater in my veins gets me going during the Parade of Lights, especially with a microphone in my hand, so apologies in advance.
I highly recommend you bring the family, friends or date, come to the harbor at mid-afternoon, and spend the rest of the day and evening eating, drinking, socializing, and making magic under the moonlight.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
