“This year we’ve decided to pull out the stops for a big celebration,” said Pam Eastman, one of the parade/event organizers. “We anticipate close to 70 boats, from pontoon boats, cruisers, houseboats to sailboats, and we’ll have a spectacular show on the water.”

Registration is available at www.LanierParadeofLights.org and costs $25 per boat. Registration includes participation in the boat parade, one Taste of the Lake ticket, a T-shirt and a Lake Lanier Chart Book.

The day’s events begin with a noon skipper’s meeting at Aqualand Marina off Lights Ferry Road in Flowery Branch to go over safety guidelines and the parade route.  The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. with free public viewing from Old Federal Park off Old Federal Road and at Van Pugh off Gaines Ferry.

The festivities will begin at Aqualand Marina around 6 p.m. with Santa, food, music, marshmallow roast, merchants, cars & boats on display, along with games for children and auctions for adults. The Taste of the Lake will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. with area restaurants offering samples of their cuisine. Admission to the “Taste of the Lake” party is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children aged 10 and under are admitted free. Donations benefit the UYC Maritime Foundation to sponsor scholarships for collegiate academics. The awards ceremony will follow at 9 p.m.

For more information, visit www.LanierParadeofLights.org. Flyers will be available at local participating marinas, restaurants and merchants.