What happened to the boat parade?
Boca has its own version of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. For the first time in over thirty years, there will be no holiday boat parade in Boca Raton.
Apparently, the boat parade is a victim of economic difficulties and is a casualty of our City's belt tightening.
Previously, the parade was sponsored by the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, the Chamber of Commerce pulled out and the City of Boca Raton along with the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and Sea Tow, groups that run the boat parade in North Palm Beach, saved the parade.
This year because of state mandated budget cuts, the City was not able to contribute the almost $20,000 that it had given to support the event. Marine Industries, a not-for-profit organization created to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County, stated that it could not continue this year without the City's support.
Many people on the parade route plan their holiday parties to coincide with the event. Hotels and restaurants on or near the route also have benefited from the increased traffic of the parade. Estimates of the number of watchers have been as high as 10,000 people.
As a city that is fairly new and lacking in historical tradition, the loss of one of our few annual events is a sad occasion. If you feel the same way, let me or one of your City Councilmen hear your opinion. Although it might be too late for this year, maybe we can have an impact on next year.
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Comments
The richest community in the state and they cut a event from the schedule because of a measily 20,000? Just pathetic! Most of the rich people in Boca spend more than that for a single yearly membership to their country club. The problem, I believe is religious differences in the city council. You have some saying this is our holiday event that we always have. Then there's others who say, our religion doesn't have anything to do with your holiday and your event doesn't celebrate our religion too so why do it and there are more of us with money and power here than any of you so you are out of luck. They have been trying to stop this parade for years now and they finally got what they complained for. This is just a small example of power put in the wrong hands. We as open minded communities need to send the message here that we don't care what your religion is, we have a holiday we celebrate, if you like it, great! If your religion keeps you from enjoying the holiday season then sorry for your bad luck, we are many and you are few and this country was founded on the choice of free religious beliefs and practices. The key is to vote these idiots out of power and take your city back. Next thing you know it will be the parade they stop, then no christmas tree or lights. Trust me this is just the beginning of their plans for Boca raton. I'm sick of religions that can't exist without having issues with other religions choices and practices, it's time to take a stand. There is a war on christmas going on that is well documented, if you don't believe me, put it in a google search and watch what comes up. This isn't about money this is about power and control over a tradition.
Posted by: JT | November 30, 2007 1:26 PM
Boo-hoo. Haven't you noticed that there are economic realities in the world? You're whining over a boat parade while hundreds of people are facing "down-sizing", "right-sizing", "reductions in workforce".
You can't have your cake and eat it too. Everyone's complaining about high taxes and how government is spending too much money. Guess what? Here's the consequences. Besides, 20 grand? Buy some schools supplies. Volunteer to help the city. Pick up garbage on the side of the road. When people are losing their jobs, get your priorities straight.
Posted by: busyinboca | November 30, 2007 11:48 PM
Puuuuuuuulease. I paid over $5000 in property taxes last year. This year, I'll pay hmmmmmm... Let's see... uhhhhh over $5000! The aggregate amount of property taxes paid by Florida residents has SKYROCKETED (up over 80% over the past 5 years!!!). Both the state and local governments are generating record amounts of revenue - at a time when the regional population is actually DECLINING (in no small part due to the afformentioned insane rise in property taxes).
This so called "belt tightening" is a proactive assualt on the looming threat of tax relief. It gives the appearance that money is tight, when in reality the local governments have an absolutely OBSCENE amount of revenue coming in.
Suggesting that the city can't afford school supplies or to continue to pick up the trash is 100% absurd. I guess this whole "we can't afford a parade" tactic actually works.
Posted by: JE | December 1, 2007 9:54 PM
The point of celebrating Christmas is to remember Christ. Traditions such as the ones we've spoken of must be held in perspective for what they are... symbols and remembrance. There are some denominations that forbid traditions such as the tree, others choose not to celebrate Christmas at all. Either is fine, since this is a man-made holiday (not required by God). Let us be "BUSYInBOCA" ITS ALL ABOUT RELIGION BELEIVES WE ALL KNOW IT. MONEY TALKS. 20 GRAND COME ON STOP BEING ********* GIVE A LITTLE
Posted by: Its wrong | December 1, 2007 10:56 PM
I say it's a sad day in Boca when we can't start off our winter season with our much loved parade. I say,"Countess deHoernle to the rescue".
Posted by: Lee Madden | December 2, 2007 8:42 AM
A few years ago the city of boca raton was under budget and had soo much money they couldnt spend it fast enough, new patrol cars for every officer, new motorcycles, blackberrys for all employees, what on earth or who on earth did what with all the money??? that they cant afford 2 christmas trees at Mizner and Sanborn square, thats B.S. whats going on here??
Posted by: zach | December 2, 2007 6:08 PM