Staff Photo by Matt Fields-Johnson
This year's Grand Illumination is underway at Ross's Landing.

The boats cast a bright glow on the Tennessee River as each one — wrapped in Christmas lights — floated past the crowds huddled on the shore.

Families, couples and children cheered and waved from Ross’s Landing as the houseboats, cruisers and even a canoe circled between the Veterans and Olgiati bridges.

Christmas came to Chattanooga by way of the river during the 29th annual lighted boat parade at Friday night’s Grand Illumination on the River.

Tough economic times didn’t stop people from decorating their boats as about 50 boats participated in the parade — the largest so far, officials said.

Five-year-old Bo Rudy leaned over a rail on Chattanooga’s waterfront and waved as Santa Claus passed by on a boat decked in tropical decorations and hula dancers in a spotlight.

“(He) said there were a lot of santas dressed up, but only one real one,” said Bo’s mother, Angie, of LaFayette, Ga.

He said the Santa on the Hawaiian boat is the real one, Mrs. Rudy said.

Some families were seeing the lighted festivities for the first time, while others said it was a family tradition.

Shannon and Kristi Greer, who just moved to Chattanooga, said seeing the lights with their three children was “a highlight” of Christmas.

“This is the stuff we like to do,” Mr. Greer said.

The colder weather didn’t seem to keep many away as thousands sat along the shore.

Haley Gravley, of Chattanooga, buttoned her 4-year-old son’s coat as he talked about seeing Santa on the river.

“We bring all of our family down here,” she said, explaining both sets of the couples’ parents were in town.

The lighted parade included boats of all sizes including a crowd favorite — a two-person canoe that paddled through the water with a Christmas tree in the center. Another boat that brought cheers from the crowd was a sailboat decorated in the shape of a Christmas tree with a star at the top.

About 20 local vendors sold arts and crafts and food items during the evening, and several churches participated in the entertainment.

Kevin and Janel Varner, of Soddy-Daisy, volunteered for the live Nativity scene provided by First Baptist Church of Soddy-Daisy.

“We like to remind people of the reason for the season,” Mr. Varner said.