CBSLA's Michele Gile named 2022 Newport Boat Parade grand marshal

KCAL/CBSLA reporter Michele Gile was the grand marshal on the opening night of the 114th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

"This here tonight truly is a highlight of my career," said Gile. "I've never had anything like this."

The parade of 100 decorated boats set sail at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. This is the longest-running boat parade in America and many who have attended said it's unforgettable. 

"When it gets dark all the boats start going around with lights and the lights are really cool," said 9-year-old Mianna. 

The Anderson family from Riverside shared the same excitement, driving nearly an hour and a half to see the fantastic lights and fire glisten from the passing boats. 

"Oh it's just gorgeous and it's only going on for the five nights," said Irene Anderson. "So we were like, 'Oh we have to get out there.'"

The music, fireworks and local business were a delight for the Karnes, who traveled the 54 miles from Oceanside to finally experience the Southern California staple. 

"I've lived here in Southern California my whole life, since 1960," said Kevin Karnes. "I just finally made it!" 

"So fun and festive and just another way to celebrate," said Denise Karnes.

The boat parade runs through December 18th and each night it will have a different grand marshal.

Olive Crest will be the grand marshal on Thursday night, Friday will be Newport Beach Police & Fire Departments, Saturday will be 'Heart Global', a global music and performing arts organization and closing night will be Corona del Mar High School Drum Line.

There will also be fireworks on opening and closing nights of the parade starting at 6:15 p.m.

The parade will sail around a 14-mile course in Newport Harbor with plenty of viewing locations at parks and over a dozen restaurants.

Dine and watch locations:

• A&O Restaurant+Bar at Balboa Bay Resort
• Circle Hook Fish Co.
• GuacAmigos
• HanaHaus
• Harborside Restaurant
• Lido Bottle Works
• Malibu Farm Lido
• Newport Landing Restaurant
• Nobu
• Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Inc.
• Sons of American Legion
• Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
• The Lighthouse Cafe
• The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar 

Park and watch outside locations:

• Marina Park
• Balboa Peninsula including areas along Edgewater Place, Marina Park and at the Balboa Fun Zone
• Balboa Island
• China Cove Beach, and Lookout Point along with West Jetty View Park and Via Lido Park