It was partly out of necessity that the Palm Valley Light and Boat Parade came into existence.  After a dismal season at the well known Ward's Landing, currently Barbara Jean's, 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 asked why we couldn't do the same in the Valley.

So, in the fall of 1993, Maureen Van Doren, Joanne and Clen along with several others decided to organize the very first Palm Valley Light and Boat Parade.  That first year, there were a few high spirited registrants and an abundance of land locked spectators cheering for their favorite boats.  Needless to say, the boat parade was highly successful that year and the rest is history.  Of course, it was a natural progression for the houses and docks to get involved.  There were volunteers to be judges on the water and on land.  Now, it is a standard part of the parade.

It didn't take long before the Valley would become a magical place that people would come from near and far to witness each year.  Residents started hosting parties for family and friends. Each year, parties became bigger and better as their friends and family enjoyed it so much they wanted to be included in the next year's parade and bring their friends.

There are several vantage points where the public can watch the parade from.  There are the 4 wonderful restaurants along the waterway, Bridge Market & Bistro, Barbara Jean's, The Palm Valley Fish Camp and Lulu's but make your reservations early before they are all booked. There's plenty of free parking under the bridge on each side of the waterway.  Also, there are a few places at the end of Canal Blvd.  Of course, there's the entire walkway on the south side of the Palm Valley Bridge.  There's a concrete barrier separating the traffic from the walkway.  The vantage point from the bridge is spectacular!

Make this classic event part of your holiday plans each year.  You won't regret it!