Who doesn’t love a parade? Visitors and residents who turned out for the Pass-a-Grille and Vina Del Mar Boat Parade on Saturday, December 3 were treated to both a festive holiday party and a glimpse of the natural beauty for which the area is famous. Just prior to the start of the parade, 15 dolphins frolicked offshore to the delight of onlookers waiting along the sea wall for the boat parade to begin.
Santa parked his sleigh in front of The Seahorse restaurant, granting wishes to children of all ages, while the St. Pete Beach Fire Department cooked up hamburgers and hot dogs with proceeds going to charity. The Seahorse provided complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Sue Doherty, a resident of Pass-a-Grille, dressed in her holiday garb for the celebration. “I had to come down for the boat parade and to see Santa,” she said.
The crowd applauded and shouted “Merry Christmas” as the lighted boats, many playing holiday music, glided by.