The Port of San Diego presents two festive events that celebrate the holiday season on San Diego Bay with free activities:
- The 39th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, and Sunday, Dec. 19. On both Sundays, more than 80 luminously decorated boats featuring holiday music will sail on the Big Bay®, inspired by this year's theme: "The Sounds of Christmas." The event begins at 5:30 p.m. from Shelter Island with a world-class fireworks display, immediately followed by the parade of lighted boats. The procession continues past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Ferry Landing on Coronado. The parade ends at 9 p.m. Admission is free. For information and parade route please visit: www.sdparadeoflights.org
- Port of San Diego Big Bay® Balloon Parade, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010: America's largest balloon parade features giant balloons, floats, marching bands and drill teams. The event begins at 10 a.m. on North Harbor Drive near the County Administration Center and ends at 1 p.m. at the corner of North Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway (near Seaport Village). Street-side seating is free. Grandstand tickets are $15 until Dec. 14 and $20 thereafter (will-call only). There is a $2 processing fee for each ticket. The parade, presented by San Diego County Credit Union, is a production of the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl. Additional information: www.holidaybowl.com/events/port-of-san-diego-big-bay-balloon-parade.html
Two additional events are scheduled in conjunction with the Big Bay Balloon Parade on Thursday, Dec. 30.
- The Maritime Museum of San Diego Family Day takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum on San Diego's Embarcadero. The event features kids' craft activities and a chance to cruise aboard the Pilot, the museum's historic 1914 pilot boat. For information: www.sdmaritime.org/family-days
- The Amtrak Big Bay Family Festival at Broadway Pier follows the parade with carnival and video games, balloon artistry and musical entertainment. Additional information: www.holidaybowl.com/events/big-bay-family-festival.html
Anyone taking part in these festivities can take advantage of several Big Bay bonuses. For example, admission for San Diego Bay attractions is free for kids under 12 with paid adult admissions; hotels are offering deals up to 30 percent off; and the waterfront's collection of popular restaurants feature 100 entrées for under $18. For information, please visit www.thebigbay.com
Balloon Parade photos are available for download at www.flickr.com/photos/portofsandiego/sets/72157622971676127/
About the Port of San Diego:
The Port of San Diego was formed 48 years ago by an act of the state Legislature to manage San Diego Bay and its waterfront. The Port's member cities are Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego. The Port serves as an environmental steward for San Diego Bay, an economic engine for the region, a provider of community services and amenities such as public art, parks, and community events that open the waterfront to everyone. In addition, it includes the Harbor Police Department that provides law enforcement services on the bay and tidelands and San Diego International Airport.
Contacts:
Port of San Diego
Marguerite Elicone, 619-686-6222