Celebrating the Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Championship by the Tampa Bay Lightning on the water has become a new Tampa Tradition.
The Boat Parade started out as a way to celebrate the Lightning's Stanley Cup Win last year, during the pandemic, by being outside and socially distanced, has now become the best way Tampa Bay can cheer on their Championship Teams.
It was a beautiful sunny Monday morning as boats gathered on the water, and fans flocked along the river route to shower their love for our home town NHL team.
Ships, yachts and smaller boats with Lightning banners and flags flying filled the Harbor for the entrance of the Lightning Team. Mayor Castor even waved an oversized Lightning flag, while standing on one of the boats, chaperoned by the Thunder Bug Mascot.
Watching all the action on the steps of Harbor Island, between Jackson's Bistro and American Social, as the players arrived in their own personalized water craft, with players numbers hanging on the side, the Harbor was completely packed with boats filled with adoring fans.
The boat with the Vinik Family had their own personalized flag, as did Coach Jon Cooper, who was smoking a cigar and showcasing the Stanley Cup when he floated past.
Several of the Lightning Players were even riding between the boats on wave runners. At one point Alex Killorn had the Stanley Cup and was transporting it on his wave runner to different players on other boats.
Bottles of Champagne were popped and sprayed,
Bud Light beers were chugged and fun was had by all.
The festivities were reminiscent of Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Festival where boats surround the Pirate Ship as it makes its way to downtown to capture the city.
Lightning ~~ Buccaneers ~~ Lightning ~~ Championship Winners
This Boat Parade Celebration may just be the Lucky Charm that keeps our winning momentum going!!