The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with the Palm Valley Community Association for the Palm Valley Boat Parade on Saturday at 6 p.m. The event will feature decorated boats and lights along the Intracoastal. A $5,000 funding boost from the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners will provide amenities such as a free shuttle, safety lighting, portable restrooms, and trash cans.
According to the St. Johns County website, Ryan Kane, Parks and Recreation Director, said in a statement, "The goal, from the County’s perspective, is to assist in making this already-great event accessible for the larger community beyond those with direct Intracoastal access." The parade is expected to be spectacular, with seven miles of the Intracoastal decorated, including local restaurants and public viewing areas. People can register their boats or docks to participate on the official Palm Valley Boat Parade website.
Parking may be limited at the Palm Valley East Boat Ramp, located at 383 S. Roscoe Blvd., St. Augustine. The Parks and Recreation Department recommends using the free shuttle service, which will run from Alice B. Landrum Middle School's back parking lot at 230 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. The shuttles will provide transportation to the event.
The area beneath the Palm Valley Bridge is a prime spot to view the parade, offering a panoramic view, bleachers, Christmas music, food trucks, and extra portable restrooms. Additional lighting will be provided for safety. Parks and Recreation expects the site to accommodate 200 to 300 spectators.
"St. Johns County Parks & Recreation is excited for the ‘launch party.’ We encourage families to come out and see the amazing flotilla of lights to help kick off their holiday season," Kane said in the announcement from St. Johns County.
