Day 293 of 365…

Christmas Ship Parade along the Columbia RiverIt’s once again time for our Annual Christmas Ship Parade! This is the 56th Annual event that runs along the Columbia River and also the Willamette River. Since this site is all about Vancouver, WA we’ll be focusing on the Columbia River schedule as it pertains to us.

If you aren’t familiar with the Christmas Ships each year boat owners ranging from smaller boats clear up to larger yachts decorate their boats and sail the Columbia River for our viewing pleasure. This year the event runs from December 9th through December 21st, 2010. There will be between 55 and 60 ships participating in the parade each night. Check out this fun video showing a little of the parade from last year.

There are outdoor places that you can watch the Christmas Ships along the Columbia River like Wintler Park, Marine Park, all along the Columbia Waterfront Trail and down at the Vancouver Landing Amphitheater. You can also enjoy a nice meal or dessert while sitting in the warmth of Beaches or The Quay Restaurant and Bar. You can also connect to the Christmas Ship Parade on Facebook.

Thursday, December 9th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.

Monday, December 13th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.

Tuesday, December 14th – I-205 Bridge, 164th Ave on Washington side
At 7:00PM, the Columbia fleet assembles in front of the James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, NE 43rd/Marine Drive and heads upriver to the I-205 Bridge, and will turn back at about SW 164th Ave on the Washington side.

Wednesday, December 15th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.

Thursday, December 16th – James M Gleason Boat Ramp, WA shoreline, Wintler Park, I-5 Bridge area
Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and across the river to the Washington Shoreline. About 8:00PM, the parade will head downriver to the area of the I-5 Bridge. The fleet will be out for about two hours tonight.

Monday, December 20th – James M Gleason Boat Ramp, WA Shores, Wintler Park, I-5 Bridge area
Both the Columbia and Willamette fleets will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and across the river to the Washington Shoreline and about 8:00PM, head to the restaurants in the area of the I-5 Bridge.

Tuesday, December 21 – I-5 Bridge area/Hayden Bay
Both the Columbia and Willamette fleets assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.