THE HARBOR COLUMN:

The 10th annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights in the city of Rolling Hills Estates is on my radar for Saturday night. Now, I know that is not a boat parade, but Michelle Swanson and I are the official announcers for the evening to the onlookers estimated this year at more than 6,000. This is a marvelous family event and the weather forecasts look very favorable for the evening.

As I was reading the parade script, I noticed that this year’s parade has more than 150 entries, including nine marching bands coming in from as far away as Walnut High School, and the largest band has 300 band members. The Celebrity Grand Marshall is Seth Ginsberg who is in Disney movies and on Nickelodeon TV.

If you are in the South Bay, then stop by tomorrow at 6 p.m. along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, and the parade finishes at 7:30 p.m.

Tip of the week is for the boaters during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

Let’s start with everyone striving to be boat smart using prudent seamanship and being extra courteous in those close quarter situations.

How about following the directions from the parade control boats, and review a copy of the parade map and estimated time schedule at ChristmasBoatParade.com.

The parade officials will be monitoring VHF marine channel 68 and you can hail “Parade Control” on 68 for any questions. However, for all emergencies only use channel 16 to hail Newport Harbor Patrol (“Newport KDG”).

Once underway, always follow the flow of traffic keeping your starboard side nearest to shore and passing oncoming vessels port to port. I hope you are not one of the idiots who always cruise up the wrong side of the channel directly against the oncoming boats.

I do have a special announcement, as I will be broadcasting a boat parade special radio show live from the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the first night of the boat parade Dec. 17.

Now, if you are stuck in traffic or cannot make it down to the harbor then tune-in on your radio dial to KLAA-AM (830) or worldwide via the live Internet feed.

This special broadcast is sponsored by KLAA-AM (830) home of the Angels baseball and Ducks hockey.

Remember to tune in every Saturday at 11 a.m. to “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show,” broadcasting on KLAA-AM (830).

Safe voyages.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com.