Alafia Lighted Boat Parade

The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview, FL is pleased to announce the 38th Annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade and Chili To Go Event to be held on Saturday December 3, 2022. The celebration will take place at the Riverview Civic Center with announcements of the boat parade winners at River’s Edge Bar and Grill.

Last year our event was limited due to Covid-19 in our region, but Santa was able to visit the children after disembarking from a boat at the Civic Center and onlookers heard Christmas music and saw the bright holiday lights of the boats in the parade. Last year over 30 boats participated.

This year promises to be just as fun!  We will have Santa on a Boat greeting everyone as we go down the river. We are having Chili to Go sponsored by the Flying Locksmiths available for a donation of 5.00 and entertainment outside at the Riverview Civic Center. We hope to attract over 1,500 people to this annual Riverview tradition. All proceeds will fund charitable activities of the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview and Friends of the County Parks.

The first Alafia Lighted Boat Parade was held in Riverview in 1984, featuring a celebration of the holiday season and a parade of brightly decorated boats. Previously hosted by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, the event has been presented by the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview since 2008. The parade for 2022 will include a collaboration between The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview and Hillsborough County Parks.  

Traditionally occurring on the first Saturday in December, the Alafia Lighted Boat Parade has evolved to take various forms. This year’s parade will start at Williams Park and will conclude at River’s Edge for awards and a special VIP party.  

Anyone interested in entering their boat in the parade is encouraged to do so by contacting Mike Broussard at Michael.broussard@flyinglocksmiths.com.  You may also register your boat at alafiaboatparade.com.  Entry fee is $25.00 donation. Any boat is invited to attend; however, only registered boats are eligible for prizes. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available as well and, as always, 100% of the proceeds will support the charitable activities of the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview and Hillsborough County. For more information, contact Dr. Kimberly Tyson at hummingbird133@fastmail.com.

 Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities

Click for Alafia River Boat Parade Rules: