Happy New Year!

Orange Beach Fishing Association wishes everyone a very happy new year. It's been quite a journey this year and we are looking forward to amazing things in 2011. We especially want to thank everyone who came down this year, supported the local economy and had a terrific time fishing the beautiful waters of Orange Beach. When you are ready to come back down for another thrilling day of charter fishing, we will be here to show you around our little corner of paradise.

So we raise a glass to our old friends and another to the friends we haven't met yet. We hope you have a fun and safe celebration because we look forward to seeing you soon.

Fish River Christmas Boat Parade, December 18

Hundreds of boats will make a procession across the water on December 18 at the Fish River Christmas Boat Parade in Fairhope. Public viewing is available at Big Daddy's Grill, 16542 Ferry Road in Fairhope. Whether you are a charter fisherman or a recreational sportsman, if you have a boat and would like to participate, you can get a permit at the restaurant.

For those of you who don't live on the Gulf coast, these parades have been going on for years and take place up and down the coast from Texas to Florida. Most of the boats are proudly decorated with many lights. It's a chance to cruise with friends, show off and enjoy the water a few more times. We may not have snow but we have light dancing across the water and for the holidays, that's just as good.

So bring the kids and enjoy the show.