From great ideas come great successes ; back in 1999 a group of individuals decided that since it was near the end of Lent why not get in their boats and travel through the Clear Creek Channel and throw Mardi Gras beads to the people on the Kemah Boardwalk . Ergo , a star was born , Yachty Gras , America ’ s largest Mardi Gras Boat Parade .
This year will make the 18th Yachty Gras Boat Parade , having as many as a possible 125 boats in the parade . In 2008 when Hurricane Ike hit our Gulf Coast , many individuals lost their boats and the 2009 parade was reduced to around 30 boats . As with most things in Texas , the event came back strong and has totally recovered .
Yachty Gras Boat Parade is a judged event and the judges are local celebrities . The day after the parade trophies are awarded to the best of the event . The boats will parade by the Kemah Boardwalk and past the judges , where revelers will be showered with beads and doubloons . Boat owners are encouraged to form private “ Krewes ” and decorate their boats to a particular theme . Originally and good taste will be highly valued in judging . The event is open to any well-found vessel that is insured and has appropriately silenced exhaust system . For additional information and the entry form visit www . YachtyGras . com or phone 713-884-4040 .
Each year the event has a coveted poster of original artwork . You will see the poster is many places of business in the area and the artwork on all advertising . The poster has been created each year by Dr . Maurine Howard , Executive Director , of the organization . Visit the website and see the previous year ’ s posters , which are available for purchase .
Yachty Gras is a 501c3 organization , and Yachty Gras Boat Parade is a fundraising event . In past years the monies raised have gone to many charities , Wounded Heroes of Texas , League City SPCA , summer camps for children with cancer , Bay Area Turning Point , Sailing Angels and many more . In addition , the Business Limited Development Corporation , a Houston based Logistics Company , donated a 38 foot Downeaster schooner – the 40 year old Emerald Star . The schooner is being refurbished by Caption Dave Davis and many volunteers in the area . The work on the schooner will be completed in 8 months to a year and then will be sold with the funds going to Yachty Gras Foundation to be used to help fund charities in the area .
This is a great event for all , so plan an evening with friends and family come to the Kemah Boardwalk to experience Yachty Gras . “ Laissez les bons temps rouler !” Let the good times roll .
2017 Yachty Gras Boat Parade Schedule :
Feb 11 , 7-11pm , Kick-Off Party Sundance Grill , Waterford Harbor
Feb 18 , 10am , Skippers Meeting Sundance Grill , Waterford Harbor
6pm Judges Party ( Invitation Only ) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co .
7pm Grand Night Boat Parade Seabrook / Kemah Channel
Feb 19 , 10am Parade Awards Presentation Kemah Aquarium
For More Information , Visit YachtyGras . com