The St. Johns River lights up during the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

jacksonville, florida – Despite concerns about possible rain, boaters lit up the St. Johns River on Saturday for the annual Light Boat Parade.

Thousands of people filled the South Bank to watch boats and fireworks light up the St. Johns River.

Boats of all sizes were decorated with all kinds of decorations, from Christmas trees and stars to all kinds of light arrangements.

About 70 boats participated.

Some said it was a new family tradition for them.

Participant Katie Morris said, “We were last year’s Christmas tree and decided we needed to defend our title as current yacht champions.” ”

The parade begins at 6pm and the route begins at Ford on Bay and follows the Northbank Riverwalk to Fuller Warren Bridge. The parade then looped around just beyond the Fuller Warren Bridge and crossed over to the Southbank, where he continued along the Riverwalk to the Duval County Board of Education building.

Thousands of people watched the fireworks from South Bank, marking another successful year.

The city used to turn on the tree lights on Thanksgiving weekend.

Today, on December 7th, an art walk is held at James Weldon Johnson Park across from City Hall, with a tree lighting ceremony.