Yacht club to bring Venetian Night back to waterfront

The Port Washington harbor will be transformed into a magical place when the Yacht Club holds Venetian Night on Sunday, Sept. 5.

The event includes displays of decorated boats at the marina piers from 6 to 8 p.m. and a parade of the lighted boats at 8 p.m.

Venetian Night has been a popular event in the city, making its debut as part of the city’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2010.

While it hasn’t been an annual event, it has been a feature at the lakefront numerous times.

“The club is excited to bring back Venetian Night this year,” Greta Schanen, commodore of the Port Washington Yacht Club, said. “It’s been a few years since we had Venetian Night, and this seemed like a good time to hold it again.

“This lighted boat parade brings the community down to the waterfront to cap off the summer with a family fun event.”

There is no fee for the event, either for boaters or people viewing the boats.

But there are prizes, both for the at-dock displays and the best sailboats and power boats in the parade. 

Boats will be judged by a jury of yacht club members and Port Washington dignitaries, with prizes donated by local businesses.

Awards will be presented at a 10 p.m. ceremony following the parade.

“Entries are already coming in,” Schanen said, noting she has received calls about the event from not just local residents but also boaters in other communities. “Past winners have included such fun themes as Game of Thrones, pirates and patriotic displays.”

Schanen noted that some of the best viewing is from Rotary Park, Coal Dock Park and the inner breakwater.

Her hope, she said, is that Venetian Night will return in 2022 in an expanded format.

Boaters interested in participating in Venetian Night may pick up entry forms  at the marina office or by emailing commodore@pwycwi.com.