Privateers lead Christmas parade across AMI

People wave Dec. 9 to members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers as their float-boat, the Skullywag, leads the nonprofit organization’s annual Children’s Christmas Parade up Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. The parade began at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and winds north to Pine Avenue in Anna Maria before returning to Holmes Beach for an after-party — the annual Children’s Party with Santa. Islander Photos: Ryan Paice

Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth tosses beaded necklaces and candy Dec. 9 from an ornamented skiff in the AMIP’s annual Children’s Christmas Parade across the island.

Santa Claus and Privateer secretary Jenn Mais wave to the crowd Dec. 9 from Santa’s sleigh as it makes its way along Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

The Grinch drives a Polaris Slingshot from Miami Gardens-based Maverick’s Custom Motorsports Dec. 9 during AMIP’s annual Children’s Christmas Parade.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers crew stands Dec. 9 alongside Santa Claus and his sleigh at the launch of the annual Children’s Party with Santa at Holmes Beach City Field. Kids visited Santa and received gifts and lunch courtesy of the Privateers — who rally behind their mantra, “for kids and community.”