Redondo Beach celebrated the holiday with its boat parade with festive maritime displays from King Harbor Marina to the Pier.

“King Harbor Boat Parade theme was “Share Your Imagination,” which over two dozen brightly lit boats took to heart Saturday night. There were boats lit up with Santa Clauses and snowmen, and a Mexican desert with saguaro cacti and a mariachi band. The Sea Ray powerboat “El Coyote” carried a giant octopus that lit up and changed colors, just like the real ones. “Motley Crew,” a Catalina 36 sailboat, carried USC Trojan boosters, who also lit up and changed colors, just like the real ones. Last year “Motley Crew” celebrated USC’s new coach Lincoln Riley. The crew celebrated USC Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

Councilman Zein Obagi welcomed spectators on behalf of the city. Superintendent Steven Keller introduced Redondo Union High teacher Ann Collingwood, and Lincoln Elementary School teacher Ann Bhare, who were nominated by their fellow teachers to serve as Grand Marshals.

Harbor Commissioner Vicki Callahan drew from her years on the waterfront to deliver a running commentary on the boats as they circled the main channel.

Rain and gale force winds were forecast. But keeping with the boat parade’s charmed history, the skies stayed clear, and still until all the boats were back safely in their slips.” (Kevin Cody, 12.12.2022)