America's Longest-Running Boat Parade Sets Sail In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) — The Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade set sail Wednesday night at Marina Park.

The event is America's longest-running boat parade and the largest in Southern California.

"I'm here with the family, they're out playing," Anna Gonzalez said. "I've got little grandsons, so they just wanted to see the lights."

The opening night event included fireworks, live entertainment, local vendors and more than 100 decorated boats — with some people spending more than $100,000 to decorate their boats.

Organizers say the five-day event will bring in about $9 million to Newport Beach.

The parade will run for the next four nights, starting at 6:30 p.m.