The FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club is recruiting boaters for the 42nd annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 5, offering $1,000 in prize money as organizers hope to surpass last year's turnout of 30 boats.
The holiday tradition returns to the Riverview Civic Center, 11020 Park Drive, with family activities beginning at 4 p.m. The parade begins around 5:45 p.m., with decorated boats expected to pass the civic center around 6 p.m.
The 2025 parade attracted 30 boats, approaching the modern record of 34, the Observer News reported.
The turnout marked a recovery from 2024, when Hurricanes Helene and Milton damaged or destroyed boats and left many residents focused on repairing their homes.
"We wanted to get back to some kind of normalcy," parade organizer Michael Broussard told the Observer News, explaining why the club continued the event despite the storm damage.
Boaters compete for $1,000 in prizes
Boats of all sizes are welcome. Registration is not required to participate, but only registered boats are eligible for prizes.
The $25 registration fee includes a $25 bar tab at River's Edge Bar & Grill, 6226 Ohio Ave. in Gibsonton. The restaurant is providing the prize money and will host the awards ceremony after the parade.
Judges will select first- through fourth-place winners.
Boaters can register at alafiaboatparade.com or contact Broussard at 813-716-5341.
Santa, chili cook-off and holiday activities
Families can enjoy photos with Santa, holiday crafts, decorated Christmas trees, food and live entertainment at the civic center.
Attendees can sample entries in the annual chili cook-off and vote for their favorites with a $5 donation. Entry is free for contestants, with a limit of 12 participants. Winners will be announced around 7 p.m.
Wish Tree Lane will feature trees decorated by local nonprofit organizations, while Jeanne Bush will serve as master of ceremonies and DJ Jeff Olsen will provide music.
The illuminated boats will travel up the Alafia River, pass the civic center and turn around before heading back downriver.
Free parking is available at the civic center, although spaces are limited. A free shuttle operated by 55 Rides will run from First Baptist Church, 8626 U.S. 301 in Riverview, from 5 to 7:15 p.m.
"For 42 years, the Alafia Lighted Boat Parade has brought our community together to celebrate the holiday season along the Alafia River," Christine Ans, the 2026 event chair, told the Observer News. "From the festivities and lighted boat parade at the Riverview Civic Center, to the post-parade celebration at River's Edge Bar & Grill, it's a truly beautiful, magical evening for all ages."
The event is presented in collaboration with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, with sponsorship from Chris Ligori & Associates. Proceeds benefit local and global organizations through the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club Foundation and Friends of the County Parks & Recreation Inc.
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