07/03/2025
Parade Protocol 2025– please read and share with other boaters – this is our 41st annual parade!
>>> IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to more boats joining in of varying sizes, wakes are being generated causing serious swamping of other boats. This has been become a problem. To keep the parade safe, boats MUST SPREAD OUT--- PLEASE HELP with spacing, two lengths apart in a single file would be super. Recommending the larger boats move to the rear of the parade.
If you must leave the route before the parade ends, please pull out into the middle of the lake away from the other boats before coming up on the “step.” In 2024, two vessels had breakdowns. If this happens again, please move past on the right side and keep the parade together.
PARADE ROUTE: The parade proceeds in a clockwise direction from Strawberry Point following Lake Whatcom Boulevard thru the Geneva area, past Bloedel Donovan Park to the North Shore neighborhoods, Dellesta Park then ending in Sunrise Bay. The routing is slightly modified to keep out of smaller cove areas. This makes a loop starting and ending in a narrow section of lake. Edgewater pilings area always seems a challenge. Most move outside of the pilings to keep going.
STARTING TIME: 3 pm at Strawberry Point. Please assemble in Strawberry Point Cove about 2:45 pm.
STARTING PROCEDURE: LISTEN FOR THE CANNON BOOM! There is a lead boat (a large flag up top) that knows the route and the hazards underwater. It will take off when the cannon fires at 3 o’clock. Fall in behind the other boats as the line forms, following the leader. This is a leisure activity not a race to get ahead.
THE LEAD BOAT SETS THE PACE: The speed will try to be consistent throughout the route but not possible with other lake activity. Slowing down may happen often.
SAFETY: The “lead” boat checks for debris, notify swimmers and non-motor craft and alert other boats of approaching parade vessels. BUT it is not possible for the lead boat to keep track of all potential hazards. Keep a look-out for other boaters or swimmers. To prevent any mishap, shoreline owners please let any of your guest boaters know about this parade taking place from 3 to 4:15 pm.
Frequently the Sheriff boat has accompanied us so check all the required safety items are onboard. If you have any questions/comments/suggestions contact Nancy Oswald @ 360-739-4009 or Linda Bergsma @ 360-733-9129.
Thanks for reading this entire message!
