THE HARBOR COLUMN:

I have an exciting and non-nautical target on my radar for Saturday: the 9th annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade in Rolling Hills Estates. Parade veteran Michelle Swanson and I are the official announcers for the evening, which has between 3,000 to 5,000 people estimated to attend this year.

There are more than 150 entries, including 13 marching bands coming from as far away as Walnut High School.

Additionally, there will be drill teams, equestrian units and numerous Scout units, with one Girl Scout unit more than 200 strong. The theme is “Parade of Lights,” and it will be broadcast live on Cox Communications with replays during the month of December.

As I was reading the parade script, I noticed this is a great family event that starts Saturday at 6 p.m. along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, and concludes with an awards ceremony on Crossfield Drive between the Avenue of the Peninsula and Peninsula Shopping Center at 7:30 p.m.

While on the subject of parades, the 99th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is rapidly approaching, beginning Wednesday, Dec. 12, for five nights, and it’s rated as one of the top 10 holiday happenings in the nation. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this is the granddaddy of all boat parades.

This year’s theme is “‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas,” and I expect to be wowed with the amazingly decorated boats. However, the decorations continue off the water onto the shoreline as homes vie for awards in the Ring of Lights competition. Throughout the harbor, homes are being decorated in time for the parade, which will make the experience much more magical.

Tip of week is for all boaters to register for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, as a show of support for the annual event. You can register at www.christmasboatparade.com.

Lastly, you can join me nightly to watch the parade at the Fun Zone in Balboa. I will be announcing the boats from the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com.