Winds in the forecast have postponed the well-attended event one week, NBC 7’s Kelvin Henry reports.
San Diego Parade of Lights has been canceled for Sunday due to a wind advisory as the county is slated to get some wet and snowy weather this weekend.
"The safety of those who participate in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is of the upmost concern to us," San Diego Bay Parade of Light organizers said in a statement.
A wind advisory was issued for 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday in San Diego County coastal areas, valleys, and deserts. Those high wind speeds can make the parade dangerous for boaters, organizers said.
"The day before the first parade, the Coast Guard informed us that due to the potential for high winds tomorrow afternoon – they suggested that we cancel this – strongly suggested," said Larry Bauman, Chairman of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
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A weather system from the north will deliver showers Sunday morning and through the afternoon for much of the region, while high elevations in mountain communities will get a blanket of snow.
"The Coast guard said that this storm that’s coming down the coast isn’t a mystery. It's got a history and what it’s doing, coming down the coast wind-wise. Just rain, the parade would’ve gone on rain or shine but the wind is what’s dangerous when you get a lot of boaters out there in the dark," Bauman added.
The parade of lights event scheduled for Dec. 18 is still set to happen.
"You are gonna see some amazing participants. We’ve already got King Neptune – lots of mermaids and everybody is so excited," said Gail Strickland, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Announcer.
"One year the theme was a Southwest Christmas and there were cactuses all over the boat with Christmas lights on it and coyotes running around howling – that was pretty memorable. This year our theme is 'FantaSEA' on the Bay," Strickland said.
The parade draws tens of thousands of people with 80 lavishly decorated boats ranging from small Catamarans to big boats with elaborate designs. The boats cruise around San Diego Bay on two consecutive Sundays in December.
"It’s touching, it’s a wonderful holiday tradition – amazing is the best word I can think of," Strickland said.
