Boat parade lines up for return

By popular demand, the Chamber of Commerce will be bringing the holiday spirit back to Wrangell's shores next week with its annual boat parade.

Once a tradition every Christmas season, mariners of every stripe would string up lights and decorations on their vessels for a floating parade. The event started with physician Wayne "Doc" Davenport, who arrived to the island to practice medicine during the mid-1970s. Just before the holiday he would decorate his boat, and had afterward encouraged others to do the same.

"He always had it on December the 23rd," recalled resident Don McConachie. He explained the date was easy to remember, being his own birthday. "The first year it had two or three boats in it. But it built up over the years."

Boats of all sizes would gear up for the display, congregating at the city dock in the business district and working their way southward along the shore. The goal most years was to reach Shoemaker Bay and the mill, though that was not always possible.

"It used to be we would

get some pretty serious storms," said Clay Hammer, who will be helping with this year's parade. When the wind picked up and water got its roughest most of the smaller vessels would keep closer to home, though he recalled a few tugs and fishing vessels would still make the trip.

Whether stormy or calm though, the festive display drew onlookers from homes along the highway and in town. "It was a fun thing to do," said McConachie.

Since Davenport's retirement and departure in 2012, the tradition has subsided. Chamber director Cyni Crary explained a small group had approached her office this year with the idea of putting the parade back on. She and shopkeeper Lucy Robinson have been making arrangements, and a flotilla of some size and festivity is scheduled to make its run Friday the 22nd, with viewing starting at 7 p.m.

"Lucy and I are still working on prizes," said Crary.

Hammer said he will help keep things organized by radio. Organizers are still working out a route, likely headed at least as far as 2-Mile Zimovia, if not Shoemaker Bay.

The parade ties in with the community's nautical nature, similarly to how its annual tree lighting for Midnight Madness at the start of the season harkens to its timber roots. The event is still looking for participants, interested boaters may call the Wrangell Chamber office at 874-3901 for details.

"We really want to make it a tradition," Crary said.