One of the highlights of America’s Independence Day celebration in Lewes is the annual Boat Parade down the canal from Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman’s Wharf by the Savannah Road drawbridge.

Co-hosted by the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club and the Lightship Overfalls Foundation, and exclusively sponsored by the Freedom Boat Club, the parade begins at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 4, rain or shine.

Every year, thousands of spectators line the shore cheering, clapping and waving as the patriotically decorated boats pass by decked out in red, white and blue. All are competing for the coveted grand prize, a hand-sculpted trophy by local carver Bert Long, and of course, bragging rights for the next 12 months. First-, second- and third-place ribbons will also be awarded to other top competitors.

Participating boats line up at 1 p.m. at Roosevelt Inlet. At 1:30 p.m., boats proceed down the canal, arriving at the judges’ reviewing stand at Fisherman’s Wharf at 2 p.m.

Mayor Ted Becker is slated to emcee the event, announcing each boat’s name, captain and crew as they pass by the reviewing stand. Judging the boats, based on best use of patriotic decorations, will be Lewes City Council members along with Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club President Jason Bentley and Overfalls Foundation President Albert Didden. Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. from the deck of the Lightship Overfalls. Spectators are invited to attend.

Boat registration is free and must be completed by 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 3.

Registration forms and information are available at both the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, next to the Zwaanendael Museum, and Lewes Harbour Bait and Tackle on Anglers Road just past Irish Eyes. For more information, call 302-645-8073 or 877-465-3937.