It’s Wildwood, it’s July, it’s Christmas

By: RYAN RUGGIERO
The Greater Wildwoods Christmas in July Boat Parade is celebrating its 20th year on Sat. July 19 at 7 p.m., starting in North Wildwood.
The Christmas boat parade is an old tradition for Wildwood, and for the second year in a row all municipalities will be involved. There was no parade two years ago due to lack of funding, but thanks to the municipalities teaming together to gain more support, the parade was back and better than ever last year.
Parade Chair Jodi DiEduardo has lived in Wildwood for 25 years and has been organizing the parade for the past 10 years.
“We had such a successful year last year, and with the addition of fireworks and festivities for the kids, I expect it to be even bigger than last year,” DiEduardo said.
For the first time, there will be fireworks and extra events making this year’s Christmas in July Boat Parade extra special. The fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. at Sunset Lake, where there will also be activities for children to participate in, such as face painting and karaoke, and all free of charge.
The Heggaman String Band will also be playing on a boat on the water throughout the parade, and at various locations on the island. Santa will also be making an appearance in the parade.
In previous years, there were about 40 boats registered for the parade, but it is too early to tell how many will participate this year.
Boats can register on Fri. July 18 at 8 p.m. at Lighthouse Point, where there will be a beef and beer and a Captain’s meeting. For those who cannot make the beef and beer, registration will also take place on the day of the parade from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. at the Silver Bullet in Rio Grande.
Boats in the parade are decorated according to a theme related to Christmas, and each boat is judged, with the winners receiving prizes and gift certificates. There is also a light-decorating contest for the houses on the bay, but they must be registered.
Applications can be found at the Web site, or houses can register at the same time and locations as the boat registration.
Sponsors for the boat parade include the Wildwood Convention Center, Savings Bank, Coastal Broadcasting, Lighthouse Point, and the municipalities.
For more information or to register please visit the Web site at wildwoodboatparade.com.