POMPANO BEACH, FL – The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce is pleased to officially announce that this year’s Grand Marshals for the 50th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Dec. 9 are Richard and Gwen Leys. The Leys are being honored as longtime Pompano residents, long time community volunteers and relentless Boat Parade supporters, having helped coordinate the event for the last 10 years.
“Richard and Gwen Leys are such a tremendous asset to our community - their dedication to the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Holiday Boat Parade has resulted in us reaching this historical milestone” said Jean McIntyre, chair of the Chamber’s board. “As our Grand Marshals this year, we are hopefully able to convey our heartfelt appreciation for keeping this joyous holiday tradition part of North Broward’s annual celebration.”
Richard and Gwen moved to Pompano in 1992. Like many northern transplants, they felt a little restless as the holidays rolled around. “We knew what the Christmas season was like up north, but how do you make it feel like the holidays in Florida?”
Gwen said that question spurred them to look for local seasonal events, and they came across the Annual Holiday Boat Parade. “I was hooked the first time I saw it. I was mesmerized – it just felt so special to me.”
The Leys joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary the following year, and by 1994 she had convinced many of their boating friends to participate in the Parade.
“It’s a great event for the whole Pompano community,” said Gwen, who along with Richard, has been on the planning committee for years. “It’s a big part of the history of the City, and integral to our holiday celebrations.”
Gwen is a registered nurse who specializes in behavioral health, and Richard retired from Lucent. They worked with US Judo for many years, traveling to the Olympics as spokespeople for the sport that brought them together. Richard and Gwen are also very active volunteers with many local charities dedicated to improving the lives of children locally and internationally.
Their passion for the city of Pompano Beach and its parade is evident in the many local organizations for which they volunteer: Pompano Has Heart, the Kiwanis Club, the Pompano Women’s Club (and Men’s Auxiliary), they are regional advisers of the Key Club for all of the Broward County High Schools, and the Pompano Chamber where Gwen was previously chair of the board. Additionally, Gwen was named Citizen of the Year in 2011 by the City of Pompano Beach for all her volunteer work.
“Gwen and Richard Leys have been invaluable to the Pompano Chamber and I am grateful for this opportunity to honor them,” said Greater Pompano Chamber President Ric Green. “Our 50th Annual Boat Parade is going to be a treat! With our new date and time, it should be easier for more people to sail with us.”
Dr. Brian Rask, DMD and Michele Greene, State Farm, are co-chairing this year's boat parade. Entrance into the Holiday Boat Parade is free and boats small and large are encouraged to participate. Captains wishing to be in the parade need to register their vessels ahead of time. All captains will receive a commemorative limited edition hand-painted ornament by artist Pat Anderson in addition to gas gift cards and more. Register by calling at 954-941-2940 or at www.pompanobeachchamber.com. Buy tickets on the lead boat for $55 as well.
Sponsors this year include: KMC Marine, Dr. Brian Rask, DMD, Merritt Boats, Festival Flea Market, Pompano Ford-Lincoln, Two Georges at the Cove, Publix, Oceans 234, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Isle Casino, Aqua Marina Hidden Harbor, City of Lighthouse Point, John Knox Village, Michele Greene - State Farm Insurance, Furman Insurance, OK Tire Store, Shane LeMar Entertainment & Productions, Bonefish Mac’s, Beach Raker, Umberto’s Restaurant, JB Dentistry, D&L Janitorial Service, Sawyer and Latimer, P.A., Waste Management and Wheeler Mortgage.
Calendar Brief:
The Holiday Boat Parade, held on December 9, runs along the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach before ending atthe Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach line. This year the star-studded event will start at Lake Santa Barbara at 6 p.m., thirty minutes earlier to encourage more families to come out and participate. There will be prizes for the best shoreline decor. Parade participants are asked to be in place no later than 5:30 p.m. Captain's pre-party is Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. at the Isle Casino.
Email boatparade@pompanobeachchamber.com or call 954-941-2940 with any questions on participation or sponsorship or to RSVP your boat. Visit www.pompanobeachchamber.com for more information.
