EISF entered the Ventura Parade of Lights 2005, celebrating the Channel Islands National Park's 25th Anniversary with theme "Island Holidays".  Our display for sailboat entry titled Surfin' Santa won 1st place in the Non-Profit category!

Hearty thanks goes to John Clark for use of his 32' sailboat Escapade and set-up efforts; Jim Smith for volunteering support; Dan Powell for use of his house light display; and Mike DeMartino for arranging hula dancer crew.

John, Dan and Jim scrambled to decorate the Escapade starting at noon on Friday, just barely getting the final touches completed prior to the 6:30pm line-up for parade.  After the lights were all plugged in, the circuit breaker tripped, so John quickly borrowed another portable generator.

Dan also entered his replica Chumash "tomol" canoe, crewed by his daughters' Melina and Sedona. He paddled next to the Escapade past the judges and tried to keep up for two laps around the harbor (vowing to ride next year).

The 29th annual Ventura Parade of Lights was held for two nights, Friday 17th & Saturday 18th, with fireworks both nights.  This year's event was the largest yet, with over 30 boats participating in the parade, a holiday carnival featuring a large Ferris wheel and other amusement rides, multiple bands playing at different village locations, strolling carolers, and Santa Claus flying overhead at the start of parade.