Despite less than ideal weather conditions, thousands of spectators gathered at sundown along the Alexandria waterfront Dec. 1 to watch as more than 50 boats participated in the 19th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

Led by Alexandria’s fireboat, Vigilant, and Washington D.C.’s fireboat, John Glenn, the illuminated boats cruised the Potomac River as they competed for prizes in categories ranging from Best in Show to Best Try.

Media personality Tommy McFly of 94.7 Fresh FM and NBC4 served as announcer of the mile-long parade, which featured a mixture of powerboats and sailboats.

Best of Alexandria Show was awarded to Letter of Marque, led by Captain Walter Weiss, with the theme “Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.” Best Powerboat went to Iechyd Da! and Captain Larry Chandler for “A Bohemian Rhapsody Holiday.” Best Sailboat was awarded to Dark Star and Captain Doug Savage who presented “Little Drummer Boy and Friends.”

Other notable entries include Most Holiday Cheer winner Reva D, led by Captain Rich Hart, for “The Griswalds” theme including a station wagon in lights, and Thinking Outside the Christmas Box winner Firefly, led by Captain Dave Easter, for their “Jingle Bones”-themed sailboat.

The 2018 winners include: Best of Alexandria Show — Letter of Marque, Captain Walter Weiss, “Hanukkah, the festival of lights;” Best Powerboat — Iechyd Da!, Captain Larry Chandler, “A Bohemian Rhapsody Holiday;” Best Sailboat — Dark Star, Captain Doug Savage, “Little Drummer Boy and Friends;” Best Spirit of America — Mental Recession, Captain Seth Frankel, “Caps Caps Caps” celebrating Stanley Cup champions the Washington Capitals; Thinking Outside the Christmas Box — Firefly, Captain Dave Easter, “Jingle Bones;” Most Animated — Kairos, Captains Michael Bradford and Tipper Williams Bradford, “Kairos Christmas on the Potomac;” Most Holiday Cheer — Reva D, Captain Rich Hart, “The Griswalds;” Most Spirited Crew — Blown Away, Captain Mike Moreau, “Nightmare Before Christmas;” Best Theme — Fuelin’ Around, Captain Jack Stoddard, “Christmas Cheer;” Hardiest Soul — O'Sea Dee, Captain Wil Neubauer, “A Blue Christmas” with Elvis impersonator; and Best Try — Nelson, Captain Hank Hart, “Starry Night, Winter Lights.”