For the past six years the first Saturday evening in December has been a popular night be at Lake Anna. The Lake Anna Business Partnership’s (LABP) annual Lighted Boat Parade was held again this year on December 2, departing from Tim’s At Lake Anna and finishing up at Lake Anna Taphouse.
LABP’s 2024 Lighted Boat Parade Coordinator Randy Thomas told L&T the event had 18 boats registered with one scratch and one breakdown.
After a Captain’s Safety Meeting at Tim’s around 5 pm, the crews loaded up and the parade embarked just after sunset led by the Spotsylvania County Fire & EMS boat and Chief Mike Grubbs with a boat from the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office at the rearguard position.
“Our parade is fully supported by both Louisa and Spotsylvania first responders just in case we have an issue, and we are so grateful for them and the security it provides our participants,” Thomas noted.
The parade route brought the decorated boats down the North Anna River over a promenade in front of Lake Anna State Park where Park Administrator Dan Quesenberry offered free admission and a roaring bonfire for viewers.
“We are happy to open the park for a special night of viewing this parade. We love seeing families being together and enjoying Lake Anna,” said Quesenberry.
The parade then headed further down lake to the 208 bridge marinas where more spectators gathered before turning and heading across the lake to the docks at Lake Anna Taphouse where over 350 cheering admirers awaited.
Along the way three judges determined which entries received the top three prizes.
Judges Jack Snyder (golf pro at Cutalong) and Casy Hollins (REC) determined the top decorated boat distinction belonged to Steve Purks “Festive Christmas”, with Joseph Lawrence’s “Candy Canes” second and Linda Cole’s “No Grinch Here” third.
First place received a $100 gift card to Lake Anna Taphouse, a $100 gift card to Home Point Lake Anna and a $25 gift card to Coyote Hole Craft Brewing, second place received a $75 gift card to Callie Opie’s and $50 gift card to Lake Anna Taphouse and a $25 gift card to Coyote Hole Craft Brewing. Third place won a $50 Lake Anna Taphouse gift card and a $25 Coyote Hole Craft Brewing gift card.
The top three entrants also received a 2023 Lake Anna Ornament from Lake Anna Outfitters. All of the participants received goodie bags provided by
