2016 Olympia Yacht Club Lighted Ships Parade

The Olympia Yacht Club (OYC) Annual 2016 Lighted Ships Parade starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. Saturday December 3 and all South Sound lighted boats are encouraged to join. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., prior to the Parade, in the Port Plaza Park area Santa & Mrs. Claus are making a special appearance and they will be joined by local Carolers. Just before 6:00 p.m. to kick off the event WSECU is sponsoring lighting of the Port Plaza Tower signaling the official start of the Lighted Ships Parade. For best viewing, it’s recommended that you get to the Port Plaza Park and dock area before 6:00 p.m.

The lighted boats will sail north from the vicinity of Percival Landing past the Judge’s Boat at the Port Plaza Dock and then north along the east side of Budd Inlet to Boston Harbor. Then boats return to Olympia by 8:00 p.m. along the west side of Budd Inlet. Hot beverages will also be for sale in the Port Plaza park between 5:00 and 6:30 or so. In addition to the Port Plaza Park area good viewing points include waterfront restaurants in downtown Olympia & West Bay, Percival Landing, Boston Harbor and anywhere on East or West Bay Drive with a view of Budd Inlet. Approximately 20 OYC and South Sound boats are expected to participate in the Parade.