Update: The Christmas boat parade is happening, as planned, in Patchogue, the organizers have determined.
Original Post: Patchogue’s annual Christmas Holiday Boat Parade pushes off Sunday evening, Nov. 20, on Patchogue River.
Here’s a few things to know before heading down:
• The boats, nearly 30 hailing from across the South Shore, start making their way up Patchogue River at 6 p.m., but parks open at 4 p.m.
• The (free) public spots for families to view the parade include (click for maps and directions): Sandspit Park, Beach & Marina, the Watch Hill Ferry Terminal and the Davis Park Ferry Terminal.
• Families will typically begin arriving to the parks soon after 4 p.m.
• Riverfront restaurants open for the parade include (click for websites): The Oar Steak & Seafood Grille, Off Key Tikki, Harbor Crab Co. and On the Waterfront.
• There’s live music at all the public viewing locations and the restaurants, with food trucks typically at Sandspit.
• It takes about an hour for the boats to sail up and down the river.
• There’s no voting. The people’s choice ballots are cast Saturday night at an Off Key Tikki preview event, which is not a parade though some of the lit boats are docked at the marina there. The judges will declare Sunday’s winners.
• This year’s theme is a Southern/Country Christmas. The theme is optional.
• This is the 23rd annual boat parade in Patchogue.
• Depending on the weather, it’s estimated up to 5,000 people make their way to the riverfront.
• This is a rain-or-shine event.
• Greaterpatchogue.com will be riding aboard Salt Talk out of Brookhaven.
Visit our calendar often for more great events.
Photos from the 2015 boat parade taken by Michael White
