Calling all boat owners for bicentennial parade

Sussex County-Boat owners and spectators alike are invited to participate in the Jefferson Township Bicentennial Boat Parade on Saturday, Aug. 21. Open to all residents surrounding Lake Hopatcong, the parade is expected to attract as many as 100 boats in either the antique or modern division. Although not required, everyone is encouraged to decorate their boats, focusing on a patriotic theme to celebrate not only Jefferson Township's 200th anniversary but also the 50th anniversary of the Lake Forest Yacht Club. As part of the festivities, the "Bourbon Street Band" will perform at the Lake Forest Yacht Club from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. from the north end of the lake at Byram Island and travel to the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club and back. The course will pass Liffy Island go under Brady Bridge, then proceed between between Halsey Island and Prospect Point and between Halsey Island and Raccoon Island. The boats will proceed to Bertrand's Island and pass in front of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club. The parade will make a wide turn to port sail past Nolan's Point, pass under the Brady Bridge, and pass in review at the Lake Forest Yacht Club, where they will be judged and prizes awarded. The judges will be Ken Norris, Chris Peters and a third judge to be announced. The overall winner of the decorated boats will receive a Bicentennial afghan, and the other winners will receive small trophies. Registration fees are $15 per boat, and registrations will be accepted on a first-received, first-entered basis until the desired number of boats is reached. All participants will receive a burgee. There will be three prizes for decorated boats, three for classic boats, and one for the overall classic boat. There is no admission charge, and the public should be able to view the event from most areas of the Lake Hopatcong shoreline. Brooke Hardy will be Master of Ceremonies at the "Point", the Lake Forest Nursery School will be selling food and refreshments, and The Jefferson Dairy will sell ice cream. Registration forms are available at local marinas or by calling George or Kathy Damerel at 973-697-8898.