Check your compass and set your course for Vero Beach, Stuart and Fort Pierce in December. It's Christmas Boat Parade time!

It's time to make your plans to enter and there's no entry fee to be a part of these spectacular events. Again this year we will award the "Best of the Treasure Coast", sponsored by National City, Toyota of Stuart and the Vero Beach U.S. Power Squadron. To be eligible for this prestigious award, boaters must enter and participate in at least two of the three holiday parades. The sailboat and power boat with the most accumulated points will each win this top honor and receive a $1,000 cash award. The award will be presented at the conclusion of the St. Lucie County Parade.

The Vero Beach Christmas Boat Parade is scheduled November 30 th at 6:30 PM in the Intracoastal Waterway between the bridges - finishing at the City of Vero Beach City Marina. The first evening parade festivities will begin directly after the 6:00pm Tree Lighting ceremony by the City of Vero Beach at Royal Palm Point.

The 27 th Annual Martin County Parade will be held at 6:00pm on December 1 st in the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. South Point Anchorage and Shepard Park will again be popular viewing areas for the public.

The 17 th Annual St. Lucie County Parade will be held at 6:00pm on December 8 th. The parade occurs in conjunction with a land-based Winter Festival sponsored by the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce at South Causeway Island Park - This is a fun way for the entire family to view the parade. The festivities are free and will begin at 4:00pm.

Join the fun and enter the parades with a chance for a lot of great prizes, or just come out and view these beautiful vessels decked out for the holidays.

For additional information, entry requirements and best viewing areas for each event, call (772) 692-7599 or e-mail vlocke@miatc.com.