Sixty-three decorated boats filled Newport Harbor on Saturday, July 4, flying oversized American flags and launching water balloons at cheering spectators as the American Legion Yacht Club's annual Old Glory Boat Parade celebrated the nation's 250th birthday.
The fleet launched from the main channel at the tip of Lido Isle at 1 p.m. and wound past the Balboa Peninsula, around Balboa Island and Lido Isle before returning to the staging area at 3:30 p.m. Families packed the bayfront, bridges and yacht club docks along the route.
ALYC Commodore Wyatt Hoag oversaw the parade alongside Rear Commodore Walt White and Vice Commodore Tammy Rones.
"Here in the Newport Harbor, the Old Glory Boat Parade is a spectacular tribute with boats proudly flying our nation's colors in honor of those who have worn the uniform," Hoag said.
The lead boat carried active military members and veterans serving as Grand Marshals, the Daily Pilot reported.
Crews went all-in on costumes. Multiple George Washingtons waved from decks, a Statue of Liberty greeted families on shore, and the OASIS sailing club's Catalina MkII sloop OASIS VI carried 10 sailors in bright gold sunflower headpieces and themed period costumes including Benjamin Franklin and an astronaut. OASIS Commodore Gerrit Legrand said the crowd called out to each historic character they represented. The club has won trophies for best decorations in each of the last four years.
Some boats added an interactive twist, spraying squirt guns and lobbing water balloons into the crowd. A yacht honoring Ben Carlson, emblazoned with "Ben Did Go," drew attention along the route.
Abby Skipper watched from the Balboa Island seawall at South Bayfront and East Bayfront with her family. It was their first Old Glory Parade despite living nearby and attending the Christmas Boat Parade every year. "It's so fun, I love how festive Balboa Island is with all the flags," she said.
Award winners in categories including Best Costumes, Spirit Award, Commodore's Award and Sweepstakes Award have not yet been announced. The ALYC will reveal results at an awards banquet on Sunday, July 19.
The Old Glory Boat Parade has been a Newport Beach Independence Day tradition since the 1950s. The ALYC, located at 215 15th St., has more than 1,000 members and is affiliated with American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291.
Coming up in Newport Beach:
- Sunday, July 12 — 90th Annual Flight of Newport sailing race, 1 p.m. near the Balboa Pavilion, presented by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.
- Sunday, July 19 — Old Glory Boat Parade awards banquet (details via alyc.com).
