TAMPA – More than a hundred boats will participate in the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Saturday evening.

It has become a popular tradition that attracts large crowds. The people with boats in the parade compete for the best boat.

Earlier this week, Christy Lauren and her dad started decorating their boat. They have won four trophies in the last six years of their participation in the parade. They took first place in their first year.

“And we thought if we could win first place, we would have so much fun doing it,” Christy said. “Let’s just keep doing it every year. It keeps getting bigger and better. We have so much fun.”

The parade organizers let local children serve as judges.

“The boat participants competing for the most decorated boat typically do not argue when the children are judges versus adults. And you never know what the kids will like,” said MaryBeth Williams, executive director of Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk.

She advises people to seek out good vantage points early. “People are looking forward to it. They come together to get seats a few hours before the boat parade,” Williams said.

Christy Lauren hopes for another winning entry. “We’re doing a rock ‘n’ roll theme this year, so we’re going to have some big surprises. Some special effect. Maybe a little snow,” she said.

The parade begins at 6:15 p.m. Saturday at the south end of Davis Islands and ends at Sparkman Wharf.