Venice, Florida
The 36th Annual Venice Christmas Boat Parade sets sail this Saturday, Dec. 7 in the Intracoastal Waterway. Boats get underway at 6 p.m.
The parade starts just north of the Albee Road Bridge, then continues down the Intracoastal, around Snake Island, and proceeds south passing under the North/KMI Bridge, continuing under the W. Venice Ave. Bridge, ending just before MarineMax.
Viewing is available from behind Venice High School, Legacy Park, along the Venetian Waterway Park trail and along the Legacy Trail. The parade is not visible from the Circus Bridge, Nokomis Beach Park, or the South Jetty area. Parade turn-around is before the Circus Bridge. ***Please see attached route map
The Boat Parade travels between 3 to 5 knots. It can take between 45 to 60 minutes for boats to get from the starting point to the North/KMI Bridge, another 15 to 30 minutes to get from the North/KMI Bridge to the W. Venice Ave. Bridge, and another 15 to 30 minutes to get to the parade’s endpoint.
Boats do not make a second trip along the parade route. Once the parade ends at its terminus, boats will travel back to their launch or slip. This is not considered part of the parade.
As a reminder, early chair setup is prohibited prior to the day of the parade. Chairs, blankets and other items may be placed in viewing areas beginning at noon Saturday, Dec. 7. Adhere to posted signage and restrictions. Sarasota County and the City of Venice are not responsible for items left unattended before, during or after the Boat Parade.
The Circus Bridge remains locked down for vehicle traffic only traveling on and off Venice island. The North/KMI Bridge and the W. Venice Avenue Bridge will be locked in the up/open position as the parade approaches. Bridges may open again to allow returning boat traffic to pass through. Leave early, plan ahead, and anticipate additional traffic or detours. Your patience is appreciated.
The annual Christmas Boat Parade is a private event hosted by volunteer residents who donate their time, vessels, and fuel to put on this free community event. The City of Venice issues a Special Event permit to help coordinate bridge closures with the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Sarasota County Government and West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND).
For additional information, please visit www.venicechristmasboatparade.net or contact event organizer Joe Zgrzepski at [email protected] or 941-718-8644.
Graphics Courtesy Of City Venice, FL