Imagine a fleet of as many as 50 small sail and power boats, plus jet skis, paddleboards and such, all festooned with twinkling Christmas lights and inflated holiday decorations.

Imagine this yuletide flotilla cruising picturesquely in line on Lake Pontchartrain led by Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves, at the bow of a transplanted lobster boat.

That will be the scene Saturday, Dec. 13, as the 32nd West End Christmas Boat Parade sets sail. According to parade co-producer Tommy Taggart, Carnival-sized crowds are expected to watch the glowing fleet from the New Canal Lighthouse and the restaurants that back up to the New Canal.

Taggart said the boat parade has a colorful backstory. The event was launched roughly 45 years ago by an old salt named Captain Ron Ferraro, who lived aboard his boat in

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