4th of July boat parade set

Submitted by the American Legion Yacht Club

Spectators will be treated to the 58th Annual Old Glory Boat Parade Saturday, July 4, 2009 sponsored by the American Legion Yacht Club. Boaters are invited to decorate their boats and participate -- boater parade registration is free. A map of the parade route, flyer, and more information is available at www.alyc291.com.

Fourth of July festivities begin with a community pancake breakfast from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the American Legion Post 291. Sixty Make-A-Wish Foundation children with their families and Marines from Camp Pendleton will also be in attendance. After breakfast, the celebrated guests will join the parade and enjoy the festival as spectators on boats skippered by members of the American Legion Yacht Club. The Sheriff’s fireboat will lead the parade starting at 1:00 p.m off Collins Island.

Spectators on land may choose to enjoy the patriotic parade from the beach or patio at American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 or other vantage points along the beaches and waterways of Newport Harbor.

Newport Beach Mayor, Ed Selich, will preside over the parade as Grand Marshall. He will be aboard “The Shannon” owned by locals Bill & Jackie Modisette. Also on the VIP boat; Marines from Camp Pendleton, American Legion Post 291 Commander Steven Spriggs, and American Legion Yacht Club Commodore Dan O’Sullivan.

Parade participants will be competing for top honors in a variety of categories, recognizing best tugboat, wooden classic, dinghy, electric, power, and sail. Come out and enjoy the competition for Sweepstakes Trophy, Commodores Trophy, Best Theme, Best Sound / Music, Best Animation, Best Decoration, Best Costumes, Best Spirit, and Yacht Club with Most Entries.

Parade Chairman, and ALYC Vice Commodore, Leo Vortouni encourages everyone in the Newport Mesa area to come out to The Harbor and join the festivities!

Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on July, 19th. Go to the website for more information.