FLEMING ISLAND – The 21st Annual Whitey’s Fish Camp Boat parade made a successful return to Doctors Lake and Swimming Pen Creek for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 1,000 residents came out in festive spirits to watch 17 holiday-decorated boats process along Swimming Pen Creek. Christmas music and cheer filled the restaurant, the docks, and along the bridge of County Road 220.

The fleet of shimmering vessels was applauded as it lapped around. The board of judges awarded first place, the $200 grand prize, to G2 Dumpsters, for its Polar Express theme. “Santa is Real” finished second, and the “Yellow Submarine” was third. All entries in the parade received a $30 voucher for participating.

“We had a lot of great boats this year. We were so happy to bring (the parade) back. It’s a lot of work, but it’s special,” said co-owner Elaine Cassala.

There were many moving pieces for the event, she said. The restaurant workd hard by reaching out to local businesses, coordinating with Swimming Pen Elementary, acquiring items for the silent auction – most notably a limited edition “Hell House” guitar valued at $2,000 – and utilizing the Clay County’s Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s been smooth sailing on my end,” said Lt. Matt Williams, thankful the event was able to be celebrated without any hiccups.

“It was a concerted effort with the Green Cove Springs Police Department. Two sheriff’s office marine units helped and patrolled the water,” he said.

The Whitey’s Boat Parade fell on the same day as five other parades in the county, three events and a circus. Meanwhile, at Whitey’s, a charity raffle and silent auction went on to benefit the SAFE Animal Shelter. Waterfront tables were reserved with a reservation fee of $200-to-$500, which would be donated to the shelter.

“The partnership with Whitey’s has been amazing. They’ve been great supporters,” said Director Sandy Summerton.

“Medical is usually our highest expense, even with the help of veterinarians and the discounts they give us. We’ll spay and neuter over 100 animals a month. We also have to worry about food, blankets and energy costs, especially AC in the summer,” she said.

Summerton said they’re currently housing about 80 animals in the shelter, and 296 animals are in the shelter’s care. SAFE is accepting donations for much-needed Purina One dog food and Fancy Feast adult cat food.