Participant entries, including several first timers, are getting ready to sparkle with decorations bringing some holiday cheer
CONTACT
December 2, 2020 Steve Rosansky
steve@newportbeach.com
949-729-4400
(Newport Beach, California) – Although the Official Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has been canceled this year out of increasing safety concerns for gathering large crowds together during the COVID19 pandemic, one bright spot is that the sister event to the Parade, The Ring of Lights, will still go forward.
Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President Steve Rosansky noted, ““Although the Ring of Lights contest doesn’t have the long history that the Boat Parade enjoys, it has become very much a part of the Newport Beach holiday tradition.”
The event is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the organizers of the annual Parade. Homeowners around the harbor who decorate their homes and enter will be judged by a panel of judges and be eligible to win in a number of categories. Ring of Lights chair, Joe Stapleton, looks forward to the event each year. “It is truly amazing how creative and over the top people can be with their decorations,” he stated. “Our team of judges are excited about what we will see this year, especially from some of our first timers.”
One of the first time entrants this year is the home of Todd and Kelly Roberts that fronts the bay off of East Balboa Blvd. “We just wanted to help spread some Christmas cheer this year,” commented Todd. “We are decorating the whole park next to our house, including a 40-foot tree on top of the house, Santa’s sleigh being pulled by dolphins, a snow machine, and more.” Todd has even constructed different themed windows featuring a toy factory, the Elf movie and other festive holiday scenes.
Another first time entry this year is Darcy Marshal on South Bay Front. With a new home being constructed on four lots, the home is not even complete and yet will be decked out with a massive
tree of lights on the roof, palm trees outlined with lights and more. “We just thought it was an especially good year to spread some joy…and maybe we will win an award!”
Of course, not to be outdone, some veterans of the Ring of Lights will be out in full force, including Dennis and Patti Vitarelli. The first entrant this year back in October, their home is also on South Bayfront and features a massive Ginger Bread House. “We love seeing kids and families taking pictures in front of it for the holidays,” said Dennis. “The decorated homes really help the whole bay come alive and Balboa Island is such a great place to live, we want to show some holiday spirit”. This is a labor of love for the Vitarelli’s as Dennis, who is a building contractor, built the gingerbread structure himself.
Judging will take place on Monday, December 14, with the winners announced shortly thereafter. Photos will also be available on the official web site at http://www.christmasboatparade.com.
Homes are encouraged to register by December 11. The registration fee is $35 and a portion of the proceeds are being donated to five local charities. For more information and to register, please contact the Chamber at 949-729-4400 or visit https://www.christmasboatparade.com/ring-of-lights-entry-form/.
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The ongoing mission of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic opportunity through business and community leadership and to enhance the social and civic environment of Newport Beach. The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is a business in existence since 1907 – an organization of over 600 members representing thousands of employees who believe in the importance of creating a sense of community among local businesses. Our members are from every industry, large and small, old and new, from home based business just starting out to very large businesses with thousands of employees.
