Dec. 22, 2007 — The fireworks bursting over Christiansted harbor Saturday night were bright competition for the gaily lit boats in the boat parade, but the boats were the definite stars of the show.
The boat parade might have been the most heavily attended in its eight-year history, with people filling the boardwalk from Fort Christiansvaern to the seaplane terminal.
"Any event that brings together the diversity of the island is beautiful," said Sen. Terrence "Positive" Nelson, one of the many on the boardwalk.
The participants appeared to be having as good a time as the viewers.
"What it is all about is having fun," said Melinda Moran, whose family had one of the 20 boats in the parade. Her two children, Colby and Logan, gave out candy canes to passersby after the parade.
"I hope they give them all out so they don't eat any more," Moran said.
For the adults on the boardwalk, the Cane Bay Dive shop gave out Jello shots, and all the bars and business that were open appeared to be doing a brisk business.
"I've been to the Monterey parade, but this was so sweet and unique," said Mary Durand, who was attending her first boat parade since moving to St. Croix a year ago.
Long-time residents used the parade to show off island activities. Vernon Mars, a resident of Hermon Hill, was all smiles as he and his son-in-law in over from Trinidad for the holidays enjoyed a couple of drinks.
Leading the parade was a sailboat with a red-nosed dolphin on the bow. A Jet Ski, decked out like Santa's sleigh, was a new addition this year. The Grinch made his appearance on a boat festooned with green lights. Another boat had a steel pan band playing and Mocko Jumbies dancing on the stern.
The postponement from the original date of Dec. 8 because of high seas didn't appear to have hurt attendance, with many tourists and family visitors in the large crowd.
"Oohs" and "aahs" were heard as the fireworks were set off from the Little Bay area of Altoona Lagoon, lighting up the sky and casting colorful reflections off the water. There were white fireworks that looked like Queen Anne's lace and chrysanthemums. There were large bursts of red with white sparkles in the center. Some glittered, starting with gold, then changing to blue and ending in red.
Children on the green by the fort enjoyed the festivities, running around with sparklers. Families had folding chairs and blankets spread out for their babies.
Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights started the day's entertainment from 1 to 4 p.m., and the Gentlemen of Jones wrapped up the evening with Crucian Christmas Carols.
"It is good to see the harbor getting attention," said resident John Farchette. "It was through this harbor that the island was settled."
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