Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Freeport’s beloved tradition— the annual Holiday Boat Parade — is set to return to the Nautical Mile on Saturday evening.
Festivities will begin with a Christmas tree-lighting at the Freeport Recreation Center at 6 p.m., followed by a second tree lighting on the Nautical Mile Esplanade at 6:30 p.m., and then the highlight of the evening— the boat parade — at 7 p.m.
Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy expressed great enthusiasm for the annual tradition and said he was looking forward to the two tree lightings, followed by the boat parade, a unique spectacle featuring brightly decorated vessels that has become a hallmark of Freeport’s holiday season.
Boats will line up at Woodcleft Canal, at 271 Woodcleft Ave., before embarking on a route through Randall Bay, offering stunning views to spectators gathered along the Nautical Mile and other vantage points such as Waterfront Park and Seabreeze Park.
This year’s event promises to be a festive celebration for the entire family.
“Our recreation director has arranged for hot coffee and hot chocolate to our visitors and children during the evening,” Kennedy said. “I hope the weather is accommodating and (am) looking forward to seeing you at the Nautical Mile.”
The boat parade’s roots can be traced back to 2007, when the Chamber was already doing a Christmas parade on land, but according to Ilona Jagnow, a long-time resident and the owner of Otto’s Sea Grill on the Nautical Mile, it was when famed Freeport resident Al Grover returned from time in Florida where boat parades were taking place that they thought about importing the idea to Freeport.
“They have a beautiful boat parade in Fort Lauderdale and a lot of towns down in Florida,” she said. “I think the only one at that time on Long Island was Patchogue parade.”
Jagnow explained that Freeport’s parade stands out for its community engagement.
“We’re the only parade that I’m aware of that you can ride in the parade on our party boats,” she said.
Participating party boats, including Captain Lou’s Starstream, offer an immersive experience to attendees for a fee.
The parade has grown significantly over the years, from a small lineup of 10 boats to an anticipated 30 vessels this year.
“We went up and down all the houses on this parade route … and asked everybody to decorate their backyards because we would hold a contest,” Jagnow recalled about early efforts to involve the community.
While the contest is now a thing of the past, the spirit of community pride remains strong.
Ken Dookram, current president of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, described the event as “another opportunity where Freeport gets together … You can go down, have dinner, have fun with family, hot chocolate, and see Santa.”
Dookram pointed out the economic boost the parade brings to local businesses, with many restaurants offering special deals and holiday buffets.
Liz Comerford, director of the recreation center, highlighted some of the evening’s planned activities in store for attendees, including a sing-along by Sparkle on Stage and hot chocolate donated by Sam Scoops.
“We have Santa who will be arriving on one of the fire trucks, so the Freeport Fire Department’s involved,” Comerford said.
Santa will be making an appearance at both the Christmas tree lighting at the recreation center and at the Esplanade.
Jagnow underscored the importance of the event in Freeport’s post-Hurricane Sandy recovery. “It was really nice to see the community come together and embrace this … We needed the boost,” she said, recalling how the tradition persisted even in challenging times.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on Dec. 7 to secure a good viewing spot along the Nautical Mile or enjoy the evening from one of the waterfront restaurants offering festive views and warm hospitality.
