Ten boats decked out in Christmas lights and holiday gear and cheer lit up Boothbay Harbor for Boothbay Lights festivities Dec. 4. The fleet included Mark Brewer’s F/V Abby Rose, Doug Goldhirsch’s Avelinda, Corey and Brandy Pottle’s Brandy’s Girl, Bigelow Laboratory’s Clarice captained by Tim Pinkham, Ryan and Heather Casey’s Harper Lee, Bill Kemp’s Jacob Pike, Lawrence Durphy’s Lil’ Sistah, Ben Maddocks’ Mornin’ Rips, Devyn Campbell’s Susan & Jessica, and a float pushed by a skiff operated by Robbie and Kristen Campbell.

Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Walby thanked the participants especially the Caseys and crew for transporting and hosting Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Brewer and crew for inviting strangers aboard for the ride. “Strangers … including a 72-year-old woman (who said) that going out on a lobster boat was on her bucket list.”

Walby thanked local clergy for the blessing of the fleet: Our Lady Queen of Peace, Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor, First United Methodist Church and Christian Science Society. She said businesses and residents have reported the day’s events, which included the Sparkle Fireworks and photos with the Clauses, made it busier than July 4. “Downtown Pier One Saturday was truly like being in a Hallmark movie.”