OPINION: Treasure Coast's boat parades are going to be better. Local residents can help.

It's hard to believe we're already into late September. That doesn't mean much in Florida, but in other parts of the Northern Hemisphere, it's the beginning of fall.

Which also means the holiday season isn't far behind. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us before we realize it. So it's not too early to start thinking about the Treasure Coast tradition of holding holiday boat parades.

In January, I expressed my belief those parades should be showpieces for our three coastal counties. We don't get much snow around here, so a lot of the popular northern holiday traditions won't work.

We do have an abundance of water and watercraft, so it seems like we ought to play into one of our strengths.

In my January column, I mentioned I had watched the Martin County Boat Parade and came away with a few ideas for how to make it better. I also noted internet chatter suggesting some in the community seem to have grown tired of the holiday boat parades.

Reworking an old idea

The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, the group that has the difficult and thankless job of organizing the parades in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties, could have taken great offense to what I wrote. Its leaders could have taken to social media to shriek at me and disparage my name and character.

Instead, they co-opted me. They invited me to join their parade planning sessions, to contribute ideas and also get a better understanding about the amount of work that goes into these parades each year.

I've been to some, but not all, of the sessions held in the intervening months ― which has led me to a couple of important conclusions.

One, the parades are going to get better. The association's commitment to that seems clear. No one wants to go to the trouble of putting together an annual event that draws little interest in the community.

Two, local business owners and residents can become more involved in making these events successful.

Creating a better viewing experience

This year's parades are still very much in the planning stages, so the details are in a state of flux. However, there will be route changes to the Martin County parade that should improve the experience for spectators along the shore.

Last year's parade started on the bank of the St. Lucie River opposite downtown Stuart and went south into Manatee Pocket. For people viewing the parade from downtown, it was difficult to see the boats because they were so far away from shore.

At this point, the tentative plans call for this year's route to start at Sandsprit Park, loop through Manatee Pocket, then head north to an ending point near the Roosevelt Bridge in downtown Stuart.

That should make for better viewing, particularly in downtown Stuart, where I watched the parade last year.

There are also tentative plans to have a fireworks display after the parade. That should add a little extra sparkle to complement the holiday light displays on the boats.

The association has also reached out to at least one community organization in hopes of creating synergy with activities that might be planned on land the day of the parade. Those overtures haven't led to any partnerships ― yet ― but it seems like an approach that will yield long-term results.

Lots of room for new ideas

I still think it would be tremendous if the boat parade, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14, were paired with some sort of holiday celebration in downtown. (The St. Lucie and Indian River parades will be held on the same date, and could be doing similar companion events in their communities.)

The land event wouldn't need to be a full-blown street festival, which could create a whole new set of planning headaches. But why not start with something simple, like a steel drum band doing holiday carols or a band of mermaids handing out candy canes? Or a booth where people could buy slices of key lime pie and holiday punch?

Why not a costume contest with Santas in scuba, surfing or sailing gear?

One thought I had was a production of holiday- and nautical-themed skits or plays performed near the parades' ending spots, although there might not be enough lead time left to accomplish that this year.

What else?

I think every parade could use a grand marshal. I think each parade should have some type of headliner vessel, appropriately decorated for the season. And I think it would be cool to allow people to vote online for their favorite parade entries, using photos submitted in advance or taken by drones while the parades are in progress, in addition to the official judging.

There's plenty of growth potential here. The parades can get as elaborate as people in the community are willing to make them. However, that means finding citizens willing to donate their time and services for the community's good.

I know, some of this sounds expensive. That's another area where community residents can help. The association is trying to line up sponsorships from local businesses.

Those who wish to support the parade can contribute at different sponsorship levels, ranging from $250 to $5,000.

Contributing $250 will get a sponsor a tagged social media post. For a $5,000 sponsorship, a business will get mentions in all parade outreach promotions, an opportunity to speak at the captains' meetings and award ceremonies, membership in the association and other perks.

Additional information about the sponsorships is available by visiting the association's website or calling (772) 692-7599.

In-kind donations of equipment or services that could be used during the parades would also be welcomed.

A good way to support the community

The money raised through sponsorships would go to cover expenses associated with producing the parades. If extra money is raised, it would be used to support the association's Workforce Readiness Initiative, which creates career pathways to get young people involved in the marine industry.

That program could help keep some local youth from moving away from the Treasure Coast after they reach adulthood.

Maybe it seems early to be thinking about holiday parades, but it really isn't, for those who want to get involved. Pumpkin spice drinks are already on sale at some area businesses. The holiday decorations will be coming next.

It's time to keep this grand regional tradition of boat parades afloat.

This column reflects the opinion of Blake Fontenay. Contact him via email at bfontenay@gannett.com or at 772-232-5424.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: OPINION: Area boat parades can make bigger splash, with public's help