“It never rains on our parade,” were the words used by Kinsmen president Chad Walsh, although it wasn’t a real parade, but there were almost a dozen boats out on the water off Transfer Beach last Saturday night.
The event was the annual Christmas Lights Cruise put on by the Ladysmith Fishermen’s Association, the Ladysmith Yacht Club and individual boat owners.
Walsh’s comments were in regard to the crowd of almost 200 spectators who gathered at Transfer Beach to witness the festively decorated boats go by and keep warm by the bonfire, on shore, hosted by the Kinsmen Club. Along with the bonfire the Kinsmen also offered hot dogs, hot chocolate and hot apple cider to the crowd to help keep them warm while the boats circled off the beach and then headed south towards Saltair Lagoon.
“We had a great time and really appreciate the crowd coming down to the park to welcome us and appreciate our efforts," said Barry Marcotte, skipper of the Sun Mariner and co-ordinator of the boating part of the event. "Unfortunately with the weather during the day, and winds forecast, we didn’t have the flotilla we wanted but the boats that were out there really did a great job in decorating.”
The spectators could see that it wasn’t easy seas. As the boats came towards the beach they were rolling from side to side and the flames and sparks, from the bonfire were going horizontal at times.
The large crowd gathered to see the vessels also got an extra bit of excitement with a small fireworks show from a few of the boats going by.
“Ya know, it’s damn cold out on the water but it makes us feel really good to see the crowd at the beach,” said Marcotte.
The Kinsmen have been hosting the beach part of the event for more than 20 years and according to Walsh, “it’s one of the funner events we do. Folks come down, get cold, come to the shelter for a hot drink, go back to the bonfire and get warm and watch the boats, then come back, get another hot drink and they’re always smiling. We’re glad to be a part of it.”
