PHOTOS of the "Old Glory Boat Parade" 2012
View the NBTV 2011 Parade Episode
2012 Parade Theme
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“It Stands For Freedom”
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Sponsored by:
AMERICAN LEGION YACHT CLUB
July 4, 2012~ 1:00pm
“Decked Out” Yachts Parade Through Newport Harbor
It is the 4th of July, our country’s birthday! Newport Beach is ready to celebrate! The harbor is full of boats adorned in red-white-&-blue, with engines purring, flags unfurled and Sousa marches blaring, as the lead Newport Beach Harbor Patrol’s red fire boat turns on the firewater monitor, announcing the beginning of the time-honored Old Glory Boat Parade.
Families & friends from near and far, arrive at bayfront beaches and yacht clubs along the Peninsula and our many islands, vying for the best spot to settle down. They excitedly look up and squeal, “Watch out for the water spray from the fire boat!” The VIP yachts follow close behind, full of dignitaries, leading the hundred shimmering boats through the harbor!
Jon Reynolds, an American Legion Yacht Club Staff Commodore and now the Southern California Yachting Association Commodore, says: “Every year you are in for a patriotic treat, as all kinds of boats try to outshine each other, waiting for the loudest ovations from onlookers.” Of course, the spirit of competition drives the participants to out-do themselves each year, hoping for a trophy inscribed with “best decorated”, “outstanding music”, “finest costumes”, “most creative animation” and “greatest spirit”, maybe even the Commodore's Award!
The Old Glory 4th of July Parade began very casually in the 50’s as the “Character Boat Parade.” As the years passed, the Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce took the helm and built her into a grand parade. Today the American Legion Yacht Club hosts the boat parade.
The American Legion, Newport Harbor Post 291, 15th Street on the Balboa Peninsula is the largest American Legion post in California and the Second Largest in the World and the only one in the world that has a yacht club. Everyone involved has had a taste of serving their country, whether it is directly or through family members. “Our mission is to support veteran’s organizations and donate the funds our members raise to many charities,” says Reynolds.
The all-day Gala at the American Legion Post 291 begins at :
Pancake Breakfast 7:00am - 11:00am $10
BBQ Lunch 12:00pm - 4:00pm $10
Live Music and Dancing 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
For information and entry forms for the Old Glory Boat Parade please contact the American Legion Newport Harbor Post office: 949-673-5070
Contact Information:
American Legion Yacht Club
215 East 15th Street Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-673-5070
Old Glory Boat Parade Chairman
Frank Reinhart, Jr. Staff Commodore
949.933.3420