MOSS POINT—Moss Point’s riverfront and harbor will once again be a shining spot where boaters and guests from across the coast gather to kick off the Christmas season.
For more than 25 years, the riverfront park in downtown Moss Point has been a bright spot on the first Saturday in December with the annual Christmas by the River lighted boat parade.
Boats from communities around Jackson County join the fun and festivities and bring smiles to the faces of paradegoers. And this, the 26th year, will be no different on December 6 starting at dusk.
Christmas by the River is organized each year by Moss Point Active Citizens and chaired by Becky Jolly Wood. She begins fundraising during the summer to make plans for each year to be a shining event for Moss Point and surrounding communities.
“Christmas by the River started in 1999,” Mrs. Wood said, making note that this is the 26th annual event. “We have only had to postpone once for rain.”
The river event attracts boaters from Pascagoula, Gautier, Biloxi and Gulfport and has grown to as many as 33 boats. Guests come from all around the coast to view the beauty of the lighted vessels.
“It is a free, family event that always happens on the first Saturday in December,” she said. “If surrounding towns don’t have events that evening, we welcome guests from surrounding communities as well. It is also not uncommon for travelers on Interstate 10 crossing the Pascagoula River marsh to view the festive celebration and exit to get a closer look.”
Parade captain Marty Orgeron meets participating boats in Beardslee Lake on the west side of the highway 613 bridge. Vessels are provided with rules and the route. The final boat in the parade delivers Santa Claus to the riverfront for photos with children.
“The boats are decorated for Christmas and are playing Christmas music,” Wood said. “Judges are looking and listening for the most spirited boat crew along with the decorations.”
And like most coastal parades, many boats toss candy toward the riverfront pier where revelers are cheering for the vessels that come in all sizes. There is no requirement on boat size, and all are placed into a judging category based on sizes.
“We award a trophy, annual event poster and $100 gift card to each winner in each category,” Mrs. Wood added. “We are always excited to have this poster each year as a keepsake, and it is designed by the well-loved local artist Bill Nelson.”
Vessel judging categories are small, medium, and large vessels and sailboats. Points are earned for the Christmas decorations, Christmas music, crew attire or costumes, crew enthusiasm, crowd reaction and the vessel lighting. Two additional awards are given in memory of former residents who emulated the beauty of Moss Point and the waterways, Wendy McKinney and Libby Roberts.
Crowd size is dependent on the weather, but Mrs. Wood estimates several hundred people are on the bluff and along the piers.
“Many families invite family and friends to join in the festivities,” she added. “The fireworks after the boat parade are also a crowd favorite.”
After Santa is delivered to his seat at the riverfront, boats tie up to piers or anchor in the harbor to enjoy a bright fireworks show over the water produced by Pyrotechnics. The fireworks show alone costs nearly $9,000, which is why Mrs. Wood starts early securing sponsors and funding.
Annual sponsors of Christmas by the River are Jackson County District 2 Supervisor Ennit Morris, Omega Protein, Burnham’s Drug Stores, Robert’s Small Animal Clinic, Chevron, and the citizens of Moss Point.
*Photos are courtesy of Moss Point Active Citizens
