Staff Report
The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview is pleased to announce the 31st Annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade to be held on Saturday, December 6 beginning at 5 p.m. The community is invited to this free celebration that will take place at the International Independent Showmen’s Association, located at 6915 Riverview Dr.
As many as 20 decorated boats and 12 chili cook-off contestants will participate. Performances by the Riverview High School Choral students, along with other great entertainment, refreshments and foods will be available for purchase. Bring the kids to this great family event where they can enjoy face paintings and bounce houses. This year promises to be bigger and better for children of all ages.
All proceeds from this event will fund charitable activities of the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview. A silent auction with many items to choose from as well as a drawing for a chest of cheer will also be available to bid on. The festive boats will pass by at least twice during the evening.
The Rotary Club is looking for sponsors at several levels, boats to parade down the Alafia, Chili Cook-off entry contestants and vendors for the expo. Vendor set up is $35. Contestants may enter the boat parade and Chili Cook-off for free.
Since its inception, the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview has been involved in numerous service projects including a College Scholarship Program for three local high schools ($44,000 awarded to date), The Alafia Light Boat Parade, High School Interact community service clubs, Student Dictionary Distribution, Rotary’s Camp Florida (a camp for special needs children in Brandon), Group Study Exchange, Reading is Fundamental (monthly readings and over 1,100 free books given to Riverview Head Start students), Local YMCA, Brandon ECHO Food Pantry, sponsoring Girl and Boy Scout troops, Seminar For Tomorrow’s Leaders, Project C.U.R.E. (collection and distribution of medical supplies to developing nations), Caribbean Partners, Polio Plus and the Rotary Foundation.
Rotary International is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 165 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to over 33,000 Rotary clubs.
For more information on participating on a boat, in the chili cook-off or as a vendor, contact Dr. Kimberly Tyson at 765-2618 or Hummingbird133@verizon.net, or Christine Ans at 368-2699 or ubahfla@ yahoo.com.
