For the Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP), the first Saturday of December isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a promise. The annual Lighted Boat Parade has grown into one of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions, pulling the community together in ways that feel both festive and deeply personal.

“It’s become a tradition,” said LABP President Ronda Guill. “The community has gotten involved, and it kicks off the holiday season for the entire community. Getting the community out to support the businesses; that’s the biggest thing.”

Longtime parade chair Randy Thomas announced last year that he was ready to pass the torch, and LABP board member Steve McCormick stepped forward to take the helm.

“He shadowed Randy for the entire thing so he could step in,” Guill said. McCormick said that transition made all the difference. “I shadowed him a little bit last year, at the last event,” he said. “What’s really cool is that Randy gave me a detailed timetable. It kept the event going smoothly.”

“Tons of logistics,” McCormick said. “Parking alone… we had 250 cars to park last year.”

The event depends on support from the Coastguard as well as local EMS, local marinas, and business owners across the lake. “Different local people will have Christmas parties for the season, the people at the state park have gotten involved,” he said. “It’s spread out as a whole day event.”

“Every year, we are blown away by the creativity and effort that goes into decorating these boats,” said Thomas, in an interview with The Breeze in 2023. “It’s truly a sight to behold and brings so much joy to everyone who comes out to watch.”

For Guill, the parade embodies exactly what makes the Lake Anna area feel like home. “I was so in awe of how much everybody is willing to jump in. It’s a tight-knit community to me personally because everyone is willing to step in and help out… I am absolutely in love with this community and the people in it.”

From the boat parade to car shows, LABP organizes and leads from a spirit of service. “It’s just a good feeling to help others who need help,” Guill said. “It’s creating memories. Providing that for the children and the adults. We are a very social community and I think it’s great to get involved.”

McCormick, who balances work, board duties, and “driving kiddos around the county,” said his family makes it possible. “My wife Jen steps up big time in helping me keep organized so I can spend time doing this,” he said. “It all works out.”

“We’ve had such a great response,” Guill said. “People come from out of town to support our community and businesses. It brings people into the region — we’re promoting overnight stays.”

The parade also marks the unofficial start of holiday festivities across the region. Spotsylvania, Mineral and Orange hold their own parades the same day.

For McCormick, the parade resonates on both a personal and professional level. “Everyone is in a very festive mood. Everyone is happy, excited. It’s a great way to end the year, anticipating the next year. You see everyone you know; laughing, meeting new people. It’s fantastic networking in a personal way.”

Every year, thousands know exactly where they’ll be on the first Saturday of December: bundled up, lining the shoreline, watching the lights reflect on the water.

“Everybody knows that the first Saturday is the boat parade,” McCormick said.

And for the people who plan it, it’s worth every late night, every meeting, every logistical hurdle. “It’s a lot of work,” Guill said with a smile. “But it’s also a lot of fun.”

Jen Bailey

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