Parade for progress
Pompano boat parade calls attention to redevelopment
To highlight the progress Pompano Beach has made with its redevelopment, the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce’s annual boat parade will have a “Parade of Progress” theme.
“With all the changes that have been going on, this seemed like a good idea to highlight those improvements,” said Ric Green, chamber president. “We’re excited about all the things going on in Pompano.”
The 52nd annual event starts at 6 p.m. today, with the parade route covering 8 miles on the Intracoastal, starting at Lake Santa Barbara and heading north to Hills- boro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach.
“It’s one of our most watched and attended events, and we’re proud that it is such a unifying event for all of northeast Broward County,” Green said.
While the parade will feature plenty of boats decorated in holiday decor and lights, the committee chose the theme to inform participants of the improvements the city has made to its Atlantic and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevard corridors.
The city is also in the process of trying to redevelop its beach area, with plans to build a parking garage, along with a new pier with shops and restaurants.
Mayor Lamar Fisher was chosen as the grand marshal.
“I was taken aback with pride and joy, and it is going to be a real honor and privilege, especially with the theme,” Fisher said. “With what we’ve been able to accomplish in a few years with this commission, we’ve been able to implement our vision and see it come to fruition.”
The judging will take place at Sands Harbor, and a variety of prizes will be given out during the awards ceremony in January.
“It’s a fun community parade and a local tradition,” Green said.
For more information, visit PompanoBeachChamber.com.