Friday night, July 12, was an evening to remember on Candlewood Lake.

New Fairfield's Park and Rec Department outdid themselves as they launched Candlewood Lake's first-ever 'Illuminated Boat Parade' on the evening of July 12.

Illuminated Boat Parade Lining Up - Photo Credit - Jean Flynn
Illuminated Boat Parade Lining Up - Photo Credit - Jean Flynn
loading...

Between 75 to 100 boats began congregating between Spear Point and Candlewood Isle jockeying for the best location to view the boat parade. As dusk began to settle in, the 30 boats began making their way to Spear Point which sits at the tip of Squantz Cove.

Photo Credit - Nyree Pieck
Photo Credit - Nyree Pieck
loading...

Between 9 and 9:15 p.m. the creatively decorated and illuminated boats began their slow journey in single file as they passed by Chatterton Marina heading towards New Fairfield Town Park. A crowd of almost 200 standing on the town beach began cheering them on with chants of "USA, USA!" that could be heard across the water.

Candlewood Lake's Illuminated Boat Parade - Photo Credit - Jean Flynn
Candlewood Lake's Illuminated Boat Parade - Photo Credit - Jean Flynn
loading...

As dusk gradually turned into nightfall, the participating boats were transformed into a captivatingly themed light show that brought "oohs" and "aahs" from all of us who had box seats out on the lake.

Photo Credit - Jean Flynn
Photo Credit - Jean Flynn 
loading...

Hats off to New Fairfield Park and Rec for executing this fun on-the-water event and a huge thanks to the Candlewood Lake Patrol who were out in force keeping both the illuminated and spectator boats safe. I say, let's make the 'Illuminated Boat Parade' an annual summer Candlewood Lake event!

Photo Credit - Kate White
Photo Credit - Kate White
loading...

More From WRKI and WINE