The 36th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade was a truly magical event, drawing crowds for an unforgettable evening of lighted boats and festive cheer. The parade began at Salty Sam’s Marina and cruised through the scenic waters of Estero Bay.
Fort Myers Beach Chamber President Jacki Liszak told Beach Talk Radio News that the highlight of the event was seeing the lit up boats strung across and circling the entire back bay area. “It was like one giant flashing necklace twinkling across the water. Events like this are incredibly important to our entire SWFL community. These events uplift, encourage and give all of us a chance to take a breath and reflect on how very fortunate we are, despite everything we’ve gone through, to live, work and play in SWFL and Fort Myers Beach.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with one of their elves, led the parade aboard the FMB Chamber boat, greeting all parade-goers and ushering in the spirit of the season.
Beach Talk Radio covered the parade with a live stream on their YouTube and the Beach Talk Radio Channel. For those who missed the event in person, the parade can be replayed online HERE.
Hare are all the winners of the 36th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade:
- Small Non-Sponsored Power Boat: #38, The Maverick, captained by Christian Kearns
- Medium Non-Sponsored Power Boat: #27, Part Time, captained by Mike Cooper
- Large Non-Sponsored Power Boat: #23, Fin, captained by RJ Choinski
- Small Sponsored Power Boat: #21 & #22, Cruisin Tikis 1 & 2, captained by Stacy and Nick Becker
- Medium Sponsored Power Boat: #5, Midwest Express, captained by Jonathan Cassidy
- Large Sponsored Power Boat: #16, Darcy Rae, captained by Stefan Kuenzel
2024 People’s Choice Award Winners (1500 votes were cast)
The Runner-Up for this year’s People’s Choice Award is #11, Miss Millie, captained by Dino Pescara. Taking the top spot and winning the 36th Annual FMB Christmas Boat Parade People’s Choice Award is #32, Kaizen 2, captained by Mike Chandler.
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We’re thrilled to have taken runner up for the People’s Choice…we lost the top spot by two votes! (I should’ve voted!😉). It was so much fun and we can’t for next year! Fort Myers Beach STRONG!
#5 Midwest Express was captained by Zack Harbin. I will contact the Chamber to get it corrected. Don’t know who Jonathan Cassidy is. This person was not on our boat.
Fake news (ha ha ha) the #5 boat “Midwest Express” was Captained by Zack Harbin.