LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — For the past few years, folks around the region have shown up to enjoy a Christmas light boat parade on the waters of Lake Murray.
Contestants getting ready for the Lake Murray Christmas light boat parade said it's one of their favorite times of the year.
"It's always nice to be able to bring joy to folks at this time of year, and Lake Murray's a destination that you can really enjoy 12 months out of the year," parade contestant Ben Stickney said.
"That was the initial idea, ya know, gum drop house with Santa on the roof," said another contestant, Kim White.
Year after year, Stickney and the Whites have been involved in lighting up their boats for the holiday event.
According to Lake Murray Country, the area's tourism board, the tradition originated in the 1980s, but its most recent resurgence started about five years ago due to changing lake levels.
"Family, all ages and stages of life coming out here together, either bringing a picnic or, they're walking on the beach, putting their feet in the water," said the tourism board's vice president of events, Vickie Davis.
Stickney and the Whites have about 800 lights on their boats; each has changed their design this year.
"Our boat will have blue and white lights in honor of our Israeli allies who are fighting at this time of year, and so you may even see a menorah on the boat," Stickney said.
Saturday evening, crowds cheered and shined their lights, watching the parade cruise on through.