The Grinch motors into Christmas

With the Anna Maria Princess in the background, The No. 10 boat takes a round of applause Dec. 3 from onlookers at the Historic Bridge Street Pier for its Dr. Seuss-themed entry in the Bradenton Beach lighted boat parade. Organizer Mike Bazzy, operator of the Bradenton Beach Marina and the Princess, said there were a record 26 floating entries in the parade.

The No. 6 entry in the Dec. 3 Bradenton Beach Lighted Boat Parade from Paradise Boat Tours, filled to the brim with holiday characters and several Grinch-costumed participants, turned heads of viewers on the Bradenton Beach pier and got plenty of cheers to impress the judges and take home first prize of $200 for best decorated boat — a Grinch-centric winner.

The No. 19 boat in the fourth annual Bradenton Beach lighted boat parade passes the crowd of onlookers at the Historic Bridge Street Pier Dec. 3. Judges considered popularity — applause and cheers — in awarding prizes.

Santa and reindeer on board The captain and crew of the no. 17 boat give the audience of the Bradenton Beach boat parade a wave and a smile Dec. 3 as they make way past the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Candymaker Peter Vrinios guides Erica Ostrander and Milly and Oscar Aguirre in the art of making candy canes at the Fudge Factory confectioner shop on Bridge Street during the Dec. 3 holiday festival in Bradenton Beach.

Face-painter Winter Kelly decorates the face of Braxton Stupec, 6, of Sarasota during the holiday festival Dec. 3 on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Callie Pitkin, 6, and brother Cooper, 10, of Bradenton Beach, have their picture taken Dec. 3 with Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the Bradenton Beach Holiday Festival on Bridge Street. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson