Boats decked out in holiday decorations will light up Naples Bay on Saturday to raise money for a children’s charity, and it’s not too late for interested captains to add their vessel to the fleet. Boaters and community members who participate in the 17th annual Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade are asked to donate to the Ricky King Fund, a foundation that provides financial help to families of children with unmet medical needs, said Frank Perrucci, director of the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, the event sponsor. All of the money raised during the parade will benefit the fund. The flotilla will set off from the upper part of the bay at 6 p.m. led by the Naples Princess and will pass by the Naples City Dock for judges to critique decorations. From the City Dock the boats will travel down Naples Bay, passing Bay View Park and then turning around to retrace their path. Awards and gift certificates will be awarded to the best decorated boats. Last year the parade raised about $6,500, Perrucci said. Local boat captains interested in decorating their boats and joining the flotilla can enter by attending the captains meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at The Boat House Restaurant on Naples Bay, 990 Broad Ave. S., or calling the marine industry association office at 261-0882.
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