TURNERS FALLS — For the 22nd year, the Franklin County Boat Club’s Christmas in July boat parade and fireworks celebration will return on Saturday, July 26.

Event organizer Sharon Constantine is hoping for good weather and a large turnout of boats and spectators for the tradition that was started in 2003 by the late Boat Club Commodore Chuck Reum.

“It’s New England,” she said. “So all you can do is pray to the weather gods and hope for the best.”

According to the National Weather Service, weather in Turners Falls on Saturday during the day is expected to be partly sunny with a high of 88 degrees, and the evening will be 65 degrees with clear conditions.

Last year, Constantine said there was a successful turnout of Boat Club members participating in the boat parade, as well as spectators coming out to see the fireworks, despite previous years of turbulent weather and pandemic-related disruptions.

The boat parade will start at dusk and fireworks will begin after the parade finishes. Boats launch from Barton Cove in Gill and head down the river toward Unity Park in Turners Falls. Constantine and her husband lead the parade with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on the boat’s bow. Guests are encouraged to gather in Unity Park to view the parade and fireworks.

Before the fun begins, the club does internal fundraisers to raise money for the fireworks and other expenses.

The parade is also a competition for who has the best boat decorations. Trophies for first, second and third place are distributed, with applause and cheers from spectators contributing to the judges’ decisions, Constantine said.

“Our prizes consist of trophies and bragging rights,” Constantine said, adding that bragging rights among Boat Club members are “really huge” for them. “It’s just a friendly competition, which is just a whole lot of fun.”

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.