Deep Creek Lighted Boat Parade Set Arnold, Cape St. Claire Aglow

Boaters lit up the Magothy River on Saturday night for the third annual Deep Creek Lighted Boat Parade, delighting viewers on both sides of the waterway in Arnold and Cape St. Claire.

Event organizer and Arnold resident Jack Bahen shared that 37 boat captains participated this year. “It was bigger and better than every year prior,” he said. “We raised more money, we had more boats (and) more people.”

Hundreds of spectators gathered at Donnelly’s Dockside restaurant to enjoy food, beverages and a prime viewing spot. Across the creek, families gathered in the neighborhood of Atlantis to take in the beloved tradition.

A panel of judges helped determine the best decorated boat, and the crowd was able to vote as well through a QR code. Bahen shared that both the judges and viewers agreed on the winning boat. High Anxiety, captained by Arnold resident Adam Messer, took first place with a theme of “Santa in the Deep Blue Sea.”

Funds were raised for the boat parade through a $35 entry fee, slip auction at Donnelly’s, and a raffle basket from restaurant owner Dan Donnelly. The winner received half of the proceeds, and the other half was donated to a nonprofit of their choosing. Messer opted to support the Maryland Food Bank, which received $2,100 from the event earlier this week.

Bahen is hoping to make next year’s event even greater, with corporate fundraising for charity. Look for more information in 2026 on the event Facebook page.