By Tiffany Merlo Phelps
mail@floridanewsline.com
Capt. Bob Brindle remembers when the Palm Valley Boat Parade was known as “The Hoot n’ Holler Parade.” The name may have changed, but the sentiment remains the same: hoot, holler and honk into the Christmas season.
“To me, the Palm Valley Boat Parade is more fun than other boat parades because of the participation between the boaters and the people on the docks,” said Brindle who has been piloting boat No. 77 in the lighted boat parade for the past 20 years.
This year’s parade will take place on Dec. 5, beginning at 6 p.m. and starting at Marker 3 just south of the Palm Valley Bridge. From there, the procession will continue north and is anticipated to reach Marsh Landing around 8:05 p.m. – 8:30 pm. Brindle said live updates on pacing and expected arrival times at various landmarks will be given out as well.
Wendy Patton, parade co-chair, said the best places to view the parade are the restaurants along the seven-mile boat route of Palm Valley’s Intracoastal Waterway: Palm Valley Outdoors, Barbara Jean’s on the Water, Palm Valley Fish Camp, Lulu’s Waterfront Grille and Valley Smoke. Also, Mickler’s Wharf and under the Palm Valley Bridge are perfect public viewing locations, she said.
Captains and docks should abide by St. Johns County rules regarding COVID-19, said Patton. Cash prizes will be given to boat winners in different size categories and to the best decorated docks.
Brindle, who is the lead boat, won in his category (30 feet and over) last year and on two other occasions showcasing the theme “The Reason for the Season.” He features a Nativity Scene on his 41-foot sport fisherman boat.
“I like that particular theme. And my kids, grandkids and entire family join me each year, and they help to decorate the boat too,” said Brindle, adding that it takes two days to prep the boat using around 5,000 lights. “We know what we need to do, so we can do it pretty fast now.”
Brindle said he enjoys being the lead boat because he knows how to safely “herd boats.” Brindle has been the Jacksonville Marine Charities vice-chairman (also known as the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament) for the past 35 years.
Water safety assistance is also provided during the event by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Fire Rescue and Florida Fish and Wildlife, said Brindle.
“We blow the horn a lot,” said Brindle, who also participates in Jacksonville’s Light Boat Parade. “To me, the Palm Valley Boat Parade is more fun than any of the other parades around. It is open to anyone — you don’t have to have fancy decorations. You just come out and enjoy yourself — boaters and spectators.”
Parade coordinator Beacham Still agreed, pointing out that the parade began with a couple of local families. He said it was always very informal with a simple goal of celebrating the holidays with neighbors, family and friends.
“The Palm Valley Boat Parade had very humble beginnings and has grown from there and has been embraced by the Palm Valley Community Association and the local community,” he said. “It is a unique community event with neighbors and friends, and while it has grown, it still maintains the culture of Palm Valley.”
Beacham underscored the importance of social distancing and following COVID safety guidelines. He also recognized that this community driven parade brings joy to a lot of people — from a safe distance. Typically, 20 to 30 boats participate in the parade, he said.
“A good number of folks look forward to this every year, and, now more than ever, joy and connection is needed,” he said.
Beacham added that the parade is funded by businesses and neighbors, and it benefits the Palm Valley Charities via the Palm Valley Community Association board.
“We like to give back to our local communities,” said Beacham, who has lived in Palm Valley for 25 years.
For more information, visit palmvalleyboatparade.com or look for parade updates on their Facebook group page www.facebook.com/groups/Palmvalleyboatparade.
Photo courtesy Capt. Bob Brindle
Palm Valley Boat Parade Capt. Bob Brindle’s boat #77.
