Lighted Christmas Ships Parade returns to Rainier

The Lower Columbia lighted Christmas ships will make their dazzling return to the Rainier riverfront on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 6 p.m. The annual event always draws a crowd and, judging by the chatter on the Rainier community boards, many are already looking forward to this year's show.

The parade consists of skippers who participate in the annual event in the Portland and Longview areas. These skippers volunteer their time to decorate their boats for the annual parades to bring festive cheer during the holiday season. It's estimated each parade features a combination of 10 to 15 power boats and sailboats.

The event starts at the public dock and parades downstream to the end of the boat launch, making two loops of the river during the course of the event. Attendees will have an opportunity to see the boats up close prior to the event. According to the Longview Yacht Club Christmas Boats Facebook page, there will be additional parades in Kalama on Saturday, Dec. 27 and Willow Grove (Longview) on Monday, Dec. 29. All parades are weather permitting. Check Facebook pages for the most up-to-date information the day of the event.