Lighted boats will once again idle down the Magnolia River spreading Christams cheer as part of the area’s Christmas festivities after more than a decade without a boat parade.

The Magnolia Springs Kiwanis Club is reviving the boat parade. Vice president David Green approached the Magnolia Town Council last month to garner support for the parade.

Magnolia Springs boat parade will set sail at 5 p.m. today, beginning from the first two channel markers at the mouth of the Magnolia River, according to Green. When he presented the parade to the council, he said he had already tested out the parade route and at idle speed the parade should take slightly less than an hour.

The parade is open to any decorated boats under 50 feet. Green hopes most boats participating will pre-register to make things go smoother, but he said if an unregistered boat slips in it would be fine. Registration packets are available at the Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

Green has also invited local choirs to take part in the parade to sing carols to those gathered along the banks of the river. Green also expects Santa to be in the parade as well.

When planning the Magnolia Springs parade, Green made a point to ensure the scheduled time would not interfere with other events, including the Fish River boat parade, scheduled for Dec. 18 and the boat parade which will start at LuLu’s Homeport Marina on Saturday night.

According to organizers the parade can be viewed from Bay Street or Jasmine Street. The parade route will also pass private property and Green hopes waterfront property owners will invite friends to enjoy the parade.

When Green approached the council, he also proposed the town hosting another event to coincide with the boat parade to take advantage of the people who would already be out to enjoy the parade. At the council meeting, plans began to take shape for a community event, which is expected to include a Christmas tree lighting, and concession sales provided by Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs. T-shirts will also be sold, according to Green. The shirts have already been paid for by donations from 30 sponsors. According to Green, the proceeds from the sales of the shirts will go to Magnolia Elementary, Swift Elementary and the Head Start School.

The Magnolia Springs boat parade is not the only joyful jubilation in the area this weekend. The town of Summerdale will host its Christmas parade at 2 p.m., Lillian will hold it’s parade at 1 p.m. and the Town of Elberta’s parade will take to the streets at 5 p.m.