GULF SHORES, Ala. – The 27th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 8 had another successful and fun year, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce officials said.

This year's parade included more than 30 private and chartered boats decked out in Christmas lights and other holiday themed decorations.

The chamber and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, along with more than 130 participating local businesses are spearheading Coastal Christmas, an effort to make the area a Christmas destination.

Chamber President and CEO Ed Rodriguez was pleased with the first-year event has been successful.

“I think it’s gone better than we anticipated,” Rodriguez said. “It started out with just an idea and we didn’t get started until midyear anyway and in spite of that we’ve seen a lot of excitement generated.

“The folks at Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism have been wonderful. They have advertised this all over. I don’t know what the actual numbers are, but there’s a lot of Christmas activity going on.”

Rodriguez said the lights put up by businesses and residents have been impressive.

“It’s hard to tell because I’m new, but I think there’s more activity in terms of lighting and decorating than there has been in the past,” he said.

Winners in the parade in three categories were announced this week by the chamber.

In the Power Boats 32 feet and below category, first place was Mike and Lori DeAngelis on the Dolphin Queen, second was Doug Blake on the Linda Lou and third went to Richard and Tobi Waters.

In the Power Boats 33 feet and above category Galati Yacht Sales on the Galati Rendezvous was first, Steven Kichler on the Captain Brice was second and Joe McAleer on the Gumbo was third.

In the sailboat category, Ted Scarrit on the Wild Hearts was first, John Bozeman on the Orca was second and Mike Graham on the Pea-J was third.

The parade started at LuLu's at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores, headed east down the Intracoastal Waterway, and ended at Zeke's Marina in Orange Beach. Hundreds of spectators came out to watch the parade and lined Canal Road all the way from Gulf Shores into Orange Beach.

The annual parade is produced by the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, Orange Beach Fishing Association, and Homeport Marina.