CLEARLAKE The 13th Annual Yachty Gras in the Clear Lake area is scheduled this weekend and promises family-friendly fun.
People think of Galveston or the Kemah Boardwalk, but they may not think of Webster or Nassau Bay and what those cities have to offer, Maurine Howard, Executive Director, said.
This year s theme is Promise of the Sea and surrounding communities are invited to come out in celebration of Mardi Gras. Before Yachty Gras bofficially begins, the surrounding cities enjoy King Cake parties, courtesy of HEB.
Before we may have had one King Cake party, but we have a wonderful sponsor in HEBand because they have given us King Cakes, we have been able to do King Cake parties at all cities around the lake, Howard said. We've never had that many cake parties before!
The Promise of the Sea kickoff party takes place on Saturday, February 11 at Sundance Grill II at Waterford Harbor. The event is free to the public and will consist of a live and silent auction, live music, a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. The kickoff party benefits the Veterans Memorial building fund.
On Saturday, February 18, the captains of each of the boats in the parade meet to receive information on tides, weather, rules and their numbers for judging. At 7 p.m., the Grand Night Boat Parade, the centerpiece of Yachty Gras, begins on the Clear Creek Channel by the Kemah Boardwalk. Over 10,000 people are expected in attendance who will be showered with beads thrown from the boats moving along Clear Creek Channel.
Yachty Gras is a classic Clear Lake area event and exactly what Clear Lake Today is all about,, said Doug Meisinger of Clear Lake Today, who will be participating in the parade with Carefree Boat Club. It's something my son and I look forward to every year.
Just as much as we are bringing tourism and helping with hotel and motel taxes for the area, we are also giving back to the community, Howard said. And, that's our full intent.
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Yachty Gras Event Schedule
Saturday, February 11th the Sundance Grill II at Waterford Harbor will host the Kick-off Party at 7:00pm - 11:00pm. Admission is free and this event is open to the public. The Yachty Gras Kick-Off Party will have hors d oeuvres, a cash bar, live music and live and silent auctions. This event is Sponsored by the Seabrook Association and benefits the Veterans Memorial building fund.
Sundance Grill II - 800 Mariner s Drive Kemah, Tx 77565
Saturday, February 18th, the Skippers Meeting will be held at Sundance II at Waterford Harbor at 10:00 a.m. The captians of each yacht will come and receive information on police rules, weather and tide information and will also receive their numbers for judging. Judging of the Yachty Gras Grand Boat Parade is based on these categories: Theme, Music, Lighting, Creativity, Costumes, and Enthusiasm.
Sundance Grill II - 800 Mariner s Drive Kemah, Tx 77565
The main event of Yachy Gras is on Saturday, February 18t. The Grand Night Boat Parade will begin at 7:00pm. Yachts will parade down the Clear Creek Channel by the Kemah Boardwalk and spectators will be showered with beads. You won t want to miss out on this fun! Bring the whole family!
Kemah Boardwalk - Kipp Avenue Kemah, Tx
Saturday, February 18th - After the Yachty Gras Parade there will be AfterParty at Outriggers under the Seabrook/Kemah Bridge - 9:00pm. This Event is open to the public and all are welcome to join.
Outriggers - 101 Bath Seabrook, Tx 77586
Sunday, February 19th - Awards Presentation at Kemah Boardwalk for the winners of the boat parade at The Boardwalk Aquarium.
The Boardwalk Aquarium - 11 Kemah Boardwalk Kemah, Tx 77565
More info: www.clearlaketoday.com
