New route for the lighted boat parade. Here’s where you can watch it in the Tri-Cities

More people should get a good look at the Lighted Boat Parade on the Columbia River through the Tri-Cities this week after a planned change to its route.

The parade, a local tradition since 1964, will cruise the river both Friday and Saturday nights.

Boats decorated in Christmas lights will launch at the Clover Island Yacht Club near the cable bridge about 6 p.m. both nights and move to the Kennewick and Richland side of the river for most of the upstream trip. The parade is organized by the yacht club.

They’ll turn around near the north end of Howard Amon Park shortly after 7 p.m. and head back downstream.

But instead of sticking to the Benton County side of the river as the boats have in recent years, they’ll travel down the Pasco side of the river starting near Bateman Island in Richland.

The change will give people on that side of the river a closer look at the decorated boats.

Boats arrive back at Clover Island to make an additional loop for viewers on the island around 9 p.m.

The city of Richland plans food vendors and warming fires at the Lee Landing in Howard Amon Park from 6 to 8 p.m. both nights to coincide with the boat parade. Santa should arrive there about 7:15 p.m.

Sing-alongs, crafts, free cocoa and Bingo are planned from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Richland Community Center.