Parade theme chosen

The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has been busy selecting a theme for the 100th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

The winning entry, “100 Years of Christmas Cheer,” was submitted by Corona del Mar residents Jeff and Ellen Derwin.

“We are honored to contribute to the success of Newport Beach’s 2008 historic parade,” Derwin said.

The Derwins have lived in Corona del Mar for six years, and they enjoy walking out to Lookout Point to see the boat parade each year with their dog, Ethan.

The 100th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will run from Wednesday, Dec. 17 to Sunday, Dec. 21, starting from Collins Island at 6:30 p.m.

As this year’s theme winner, the Derwins will be treated to a VIP cruise on the Lead Boat during one night of the parade.

They will also receive an invitation to the Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner and Auction, held in January at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort.

The mission of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is to “celebrate a tradition of community pride by bringing holiday cheer and goodwill to all who participate and attend.” For more information on the 2008 Parade, call (949) 729-4400 or go to www.christmasboatparade.com.

— Sue Thoensen