Alyssa Freeman: She keeps the Holiday Boat Parade on course
Alyssa Freeman (NPBL Photos)
By PAMELA BARKER
Community Reporter/Social Media Editor
North Palm Beach Life/northpalmlife@gmail.com
In early December, taking our place somewhere along the glistening night-time waters of the Intra-Coastal, we sip our favorite libation and wait for the festivities to begin.
The weather in North Palm Beach has been rainy, but as early evening settles in, the rain dissipates, which is a good sign, but we wonder if one of our favorite events will materialize.
From our location nearby, we notice the North Palm Beach Marina is buzzing as crowds of people move among an assortment of portable canopies, folding chairs and risers. Music drifts our way, and lighted, brightly decorated boats in varying sizes can be seen lined up, waiting.
There is anticipation and excitement in the air.
Soon, a fireworks display bursts forth, piercing the night, signaling the beginning of the annual Holiday Boat Parade, and the official beginning of the holiday season.
The flashing, music-infused floating parade appears to be a flawless jewel and family affair for the enjoyment of all ages. Along the parade route, boats accept toys as the parade benefits a really good cause -- Toys-for-Tots.
Of course, looks are deceiving, and like any major community event, it takes months of preparation and planning to execute a seemingly flawless event such as this.
One of the many faces behind the scenes, working tirelessly, is the personable and knowledgeable, Alyssa Freeman, Operations Director for Marine Industries Association.
Community Reporter/Social Media Editor
North Palm Beach Life/northpalmlife@gmail.com
In early December, taking our place somewhere along the glistening night-time waters of the Intra-Coastal, we sip our favorite libation and wait for the festivities to begin.
The weather in North Palm Beach has been rainy, but as early evening settles in, the rain dissipates, which is a good sign, but we wonder if one of our favorite events will materialize.
From our location nearby, we notice the North Palm Beach Marina is buzzing as crowds of people move among an assortment of portable canopies, folding chairs and risers. Music drifts our way, and lighted, brightly decorated boats in varying sizes can be seen lined up, waiting.
There is anticipation and excitement in the air.
Soon, a fireworks display bursts forth, piercing the night, signaling the beginning of the annual Holiday Boat Parade, and the official beginning of the holiday season.
The flashing, music-infused floating parade appears to be a flawless jewel and family affair for the enjoyment of all ages. Along the parade route, boats accept toys as the parade benefits a really good cause -- Toys-for-Tots.
Of course, looks are deceiving, and like any major community event, it takes months of preparation and planning to execute a seemingly flawless event such as this.
One of the many faces behind the scenes, working tirelessly, is the personable and knowledgeable, Alyssa Freeman, Operations Director for Marine Industries Association.
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A native of Michigan, and graduate of Oakland University, Ms. Freeman joined the team in 2008, straight out of college. She has never looked back. Well, not really.
"I grew up boating, and fishing. I am a water person," she explained. Although she admits to being a little homesick in the beginning, she decided this was the type of work, and area of the country, for her. Soon enough, her finance (now husband), Jeff, joined her from Michigan. Due to the unpredictable weather, the parade this year had fewer boats, and 3,000 fewer toys were collected. Only slightly disappointed, Ms. Freeman said she was very pleased with the overall result. The Palm Beach parade was one of the first to benefit a charity, Ms. Freeman proudly noted. "We have great sponsors, the communities give us wonderful support, and in the future, we hope to get even greater participation from restaurants and businesses along the parade route," she said. "Also, I want to give high praise to law enforcement officials, and the Coast Guard for the great job they do patrolling the waters and keeping lines of communication open between themselves and the boat captains during the event," Ms. Freeman said. Timing is everything, and as the parade passes through several drawbridge locations, permits must be obtained from both state and county officials. "We had only a few complaints about the bridge openings this year. The smaller parade went a little faster, so the timing of the bridges differed slightly from posted times." Although the staff is small -- only three -- Ms. Freeman explained they have a great membership of 300 from various industries, the board, and volunteers. They also have a program for high school students, which educates and introduces future career opportunities in the marine field. Sipping my libation, watching, the boat parade looks so fun and easy-rolling. Now, I know. It is fun. Very. Easy-rolling? Rolling, but not so easy. Upcoming events from Marine Industries Association, which is a non-for-profit organization, include the Boat Regatta, February 20, in West Palm Beach and the 31st Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 17-20 at the West Palm waterfront on Flagler. |
I grew up boating and fishing. 
Ms. Freeman in the Marine Association office.
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Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County
1208 US Highway 1 Suite B, North Palm Beach (561) 863-0012
Mission Statement
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization created to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community, and the environment.
Website
1208 US Highway 1 Suite B, North Palm Beach (561) 863-0012
Mission Statement
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization created to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community, and the environment.
Website