Holiday celebration benefits nonprofit’s mission of scientific research, education and advocacy in the Pontchartrain Basin
NEW ORLEANS — Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting its 13th annual Lights on the Lake holiday celebration Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5-8 p.m. at the New Canal Lighthouse (8001 Lakeshore Drive). This family-friendly, holiday event provides the best view of the annual West End Boat Parade along with hands-on activities and live entertainment for the whole family.
The West End Boat Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. featuring dozens of local boats decorated with wreaths, lights and holiday decorations. The parade assembles at the New Canal Lighthouse and proceeds along Lakeshore Drive to Canal Boulevard and back, up and down the New Basin Canal, along Breakwater Drive and through the harbor.
“This festive event always offers the best view of the West End Boat Parade,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. “We can’t wait to once again welcome community members to celebrate the season while also showcasing the important role Pontchartrain Conservancy plays in protecting and enhancing our region.”
In addition to viewing the West End Boat Parade, families can enjoy, hands-on STEM activities and sustainable crafts for the kids, holiday shopping inside the Pontchartrain Conservancy gift shop and live entertainment from local choirs and dance troops. Several food trucks will be on site serving up tasty treats. Hot chocolate and other festive drinks will also be available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
Tickets to Lights on the Lake are $10 and can be purchased HERE. Children five and under are free. All proceeds support Pontchartrain Conservancy’s mission to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy, as well as offering education and outreach opportunities through the New Canal Lighthouse.
For more information about Lights on the Lake and to purchase tickets, visit https://scienceforourcoast.org/events
About Pontchartrain Conservancy: Pontchartrain Conservancy is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy consists of a board of directors representing Lake Pontchartrain Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. For more information or to get involved, visit www.scienceforourcoast.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PontchartrainConservancy and Twitter at @OurBasin.
About West End Boat Parade: The West End Christmas Boat Parade was founded as a means of giving something back to the community in appreciation for the blessings we enjoy in the West End area. After the reconstruction of the New Canal Lighthouse, we began to coordinate our events in order to support the Lighthouse Museum and Pontchartrain Conservancy. Today, we are comprised of many volunteers who support the health of Lake Pontchartrain and the West End community. The boat parade was founded over thirty years ago and became an annual parade a few years later.