A proud Palm Valley tradition, just shy of a decade in age, the the Palm Valley Light & Boat Parade actually was born out of necessity and inspired in part by nature’s magnificent backdrop. After barely weathering through another dismal off season at Ward’s Landing, as well as viewing a cozy holiday boat parade on a lake in Deland, and another in Julington Creek, Joanne and Clen Ward, and a few friends hit upon a novel endeavor for their own neighborhood.

In the fall of 1993, Maureen Van Doren, Joanne and Clen, and a few other unsung heroes, set out to organize what would provide to be Palm Valley’s inaugural Boat Parade. That first year a meager but highly spirited half dozen or so entry’s comprised the wildly successful event and the rest is history. As the tradition grew, neighbors began decorating docks, homes and yards in anticipation of the boat parade.

All up and down the waterway each holiday season, Palm Valley is magically transformed into a festive wonderland. From those first years with a few boats making up the basic boat parade, now scores of neighbors up and down the valley, throw extravagant Christmas parties to coincide with the parade. It only seemed a natural progression that the event evolved into the annual Palm Valley Boat and Light Parade.

We hope that you find all the information you need to enjoy this wonderful event.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.