than the third annual Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) Christmas Boat Parade.

Yes indeed! Christmas is just around the corner and the organisers of the parade wish to keep the public informed and possibly kindle some creative ideas in potential participants.

Steve Thompson, Norma Thompson and Ian Coles are part of a committee instrumental in organising the event which has snowballed in popularity over three very short years.

Mr. Thompson said: "As it affects company Christmas parties, boat owners and the general public, our committee tries very hard to keep everyone informed.'' Norma Thompson lived in California for several years and used to take her nieces and nephews to see the Boat Parade at Newport Beach which started over 90 years ago.

Mrs. Thompson said she wanted to organise a similar event for Bermuda over 12 years ago but always left it to late or ran into problems.

She said it took a decade to get it going and she had a hard time convincing people it would work but she eventually got BUEI involved, where she was working at the time, as well as a few sponsors and has never looked back.

She said a few Bermudians had apparently tried to launch a similar event over 30 years ago, but without much success.

Mrs. Thompson said: "We want it to be everyone's boat parade, not one side or the other, and we want everybody's participation.'' This year the Parade will take place on the second Saturday before Christmas, December 16 from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.

The parade will start at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and XL will once again sponsor a grand fireworks display on White's Island starting at 8.15 p.m.

Organisers have encouraged companies and individuals to enter boats in the parade which they say promises to be bigger and better this year.

Last year several companies chartered and decorated boats, providing a wonderful family event for their staff and children.

The committee is working with retailers to stay open after the Boat Parade to allow the 10,000 plus spectators a chance to shop in a festive atmosphere.

Similar events in America have proven to be one of the busiest nights of the year for shopping.

Last year 65 decorated boats circled the harbour watched by an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people.

For more information and entry forms call Norma Thompson at 232-2321.