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Keep the Tradition Going & Growing
Winter WonderlandThe Ronettes
00:00
Captain's Meeting/Dinner
Attention: Because the meeting room at City Hall is under renovation, the Captain's Meeting will be held downtown at the Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Avenue. The starting time remains the same 7pm. Please be prompt.
The Captain's meeting is always the Wednesday evening before the parade on Saturday.
This year the meeting is Wednesday 12/4/2024.
1. This meeting is mandatory for all participants. If you haven't filled out the Parade
application and mailed to us, please complete the form (click on button below) and
bring form and fee to the meeting.
2. This meeting starts at 7:00pm Venice City Hall, please be prompt.
3. Have your questions ready and these will be addressed when parade information is
complete.
4. This year due to damage from the Hurricane's, we will be asking each participant to
sign at the end of the meeting a Release of Liability Form which will be reviewed
during the meeting.
5. Parade rules will be reviewed and your boat's number placement in the parade will be handed out. That
number given to you indicates your position in the parade. We will let you know about returning these
numbers.
6. Please place these number placards on the side of your boat so that they are visible from land.
7. Announcement and information regarding the Awards Brunch will be made during the meeting.
When picking up your placement number, if you know how many from your group will be attending let us
know for planning purposes. 2 tickets are free, additional tickets may be purchased.
8. Parade Night - be at the staging area no later than 5:30pm (Marker 13, north of Albee Road bridge).
Allow yourself time to get into position (especially if you are new to the parade), look for parked boats
around your placement number.
9. Staging occurs on the left side of the intracoastal as you look north. Do not stop/park in the middle or right
side of the waterway as non-parade boats are still navigating through the area.
10. Roll call will take place at 5:45pm. We must be ready to start the parade at 6:00pm as this is the time that the
Albee Road bridge will be raised.
11. Decorative lights may only be displayed during the parade. They are not to be on while in the staging area.
Joe will announce over the radio when to turn them on. At the Captain's meeting you will be instructed what
channel to monitor for parade instructions.
12. Law enforcement and volunteers on the water will assist in guiding you to your correct parade position or
any other help you may need. Venice Police, FWC, Sarasota County Sheriff, Venice Fire Rescue and Sea Tow
will be available for any boater needing assistance during the parade. All of their help is greatly
appreciated as we wouldn't be able to do this without these folks. Please follow their direction as they have
been assisting with this parade for multiple years.
13. The rules of Marine Safety apply at all times. Check that all your safety materials & equipment is present
and functioning: life vest (must have one present for every rider on your boat), throwable personal flotation
device, navigational lights, and must have a hand-held or dash mounted VHF radio.
14. Keep a minimum of 100-150 feet (~ 6 car lengths) between boats. Maintain an even speed. Constantly monitor
your distance from the boat in front of you as the parade may slow at times.
15. Absolutely NO SHOWBOATING is permitted in front of any viewing area, i.e. Pop's. Such behavior will
disqualify that boat from any award consideration. Safety of all boaters in the parade is utmost priority.
Please read the above and help us make this a safe and enjoyable parade for everyone. The Board of Directors would like to thank you for supporting this event by participating and to our sponsors for their donation. Because of this great show of involvement, we are able to
Give Back to the Community
email application: joezgrzepski@gmail.com
Remember your Donation is Tax-Deductible
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