Mooloolaba’s 2020 Christmas Boat Parade cancelled

In the interests of community safety the Mooloolaba Yacht Club has cancelled the 2020 Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade.

Event manager Josh Close says this difficult decision was made after considerable thought was put into managing the risks around inviting the community to come together for the annual event.

“It’s about the control of the spectator crowd,” Mr Close says “We don’t have a lot of control over that.

“To be a COVID safe event we don’t have the numbers and resources to manage people in the public areas that we would be required to do.”

Up to 30,000 people from across the Coast as well people from outside the region come together annually in up to four public viewing areas along with everyone in the houses and apartment blocks that line the parade course.

The large evening parade of every shape and size brightly dressed boat travels around the waterways of Kawana, Moolololaba and Buddina bringing Christmas joy to all who watch and participate.

“This this has not been an easy decision for Mooloolaba Yacht Club,” Mr Close adds. “We very much look forward to delivering once again a bigger and better parade in 2021.”

The date for the 2021 parade is 18 December.

The event organisers are looking for community suggestions on what activities in 2021 can be organised on and round the waterfront during the afternoon hours for the enjoyment of the younger generations.

“A lot of spectators get into place quite early and they get a bit edgy with nothing happening so something going past like some of the commercial boats with carolers or Santa, will keep the young ones entertained,” Mr Close suggests.

Event sponsors The Wharf Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast Council, Sunreef Mooloolaba, Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium and Waterfront Agents are all ready to step up to support the parade in 2021.

Prizes for Best Dressed Boat, Best Dressed Commercial Boat, Best Dressed Kids in spectator areas, the Colouring-In Competition and prizes for dressed houses and buildings will all be awarded again next year.

For further information, contact Mooloolaba Yacht Club on 0413 227 013