Bermuda?s biggest spectator event is in danger of not happening this year unless more people are prepared to push the boat out.

An urgent call is being made to companies and individuals to enter the Bermuda Christmas Boat Parade and keep the spectacle alive. At the moment there are only eight entries for the December 10 event ? well down on the 30 who had signed up by the same stage in 2004. For the past seven years Hamilton harbour has been brought to life with a parade of boats decked out in festive lights, decorations and blaring out seasonal music sailing a circuit from the Fairmont Hamilton Hotel to the Paget side of the harbour along and back across near Crow Lane and along the Front Street waterfront.

Crowds of up to 20,000 people turn up to witness the colourful parade each year, but the whole thing is in danger of being a non-event in 2005 unless there is a dramatic increase in the number of entrants willing to put a boat in the parade.

A number of corporations including Bank of Bermuda, Colonial, Barcardi, Fairmont Hamilton and The Market Place have either already entered or pledged to do so. Normally between 60 and 80 boats take part. Without at least 30 boats taking part the festive event is in jeopardy, according to one of the organisers Steve Thomson.

?We are very low on boats. If we can?t get the boats we can?t have a parade and that will be sad,? he said.

?Last year we had about 30 boats registered at this point, this year we only have eight. We are putting an urgent plea to the Bermudian community, businesses and individuals, to enter and make this event happen. We are happy that some businesses have heeded our call. We are encouraging corporate entries. It?s a great way to entertain staff and clients by renting a boat and toodling around the parade enjoying drinks.? He added: ?Many people rent boats and come and anchor in the harbour to watch the parade - that?s fine, but they might be coming along to watch a black, starry night unless more people enter their boats in the actual parade. We need Bermudians to enter and keep it going.?

Early bird entries before November 18 have a chance of winning two flight tickets with American Airlines. Entries can be made online at www.bermudaboatparade.bm or by visiting Mailboxes Unlimited in Par-la-Ville Road or calling Mr. Thomson on 292 6563.