Port Washington’s harbor was glowing Sunday evening as PWYC members transformed boats and docks for the club’s annual Venetian Night celebration. Creative themes ranged from Gilligan’s Island and Dollywood to disco, Christmas and The Nightmare Before Christmas, before the decorated boats headed out for an evening parade on the water.
The dock displays gave visitors plenty to see before sunset. Shirley Dekker and Bravo earned first place with an elaborate Gilligan’s Island display, complete with the S.S. Minnow. John Kasten took second with a bright pink Dollywood theme, while Hans Heller and High Water finished third with a disco-themed display.
As darkness settled over the harbor, the lights took center stage for the on-the-water judging. In the sail division, Monica Plummer aboard Elyse earned first place with a moon and stars theme. Jerry Dimmer, decorating his kayak for Christmas, took second.
Among the powerboats, Gary Pritzlaff and Dot Sea Too captured first place with a spectacular Nightmare Before Christmas display. Second place went to Lucile which the judges dubbed the “police boat” because of its flashing blue and white lights.
With illuminated boats cruising against the Port Washington waterfront and their colors reflecting across the harbor, Venetian Night once again provided one of the most visually memorable events of PWYC’s Labor Day weekend.