TAMPA — More than a hundred boats will be part of the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Saturday evening.

It has become a beloved tradition that will attract huge crowds. The people with boats in the parade are in a competition for the best boat.

Earlier this week, Christy Lauren and her dad were starting to get their boat decorated. They have gotten four trophies over the past six years of being in the parade. They won first place their first year.

“And we thought if we can win first place, we had so much fun doing it,” said Christy. “Let’s just keep doing it every year. It’s getting bigger and better. We have so much fun.”

Parade organizers get local children to act as judges.

“The boat participants who are competing for best decorated boat typically don’t argue when the kids are the judges vs. adults. And you never know what the kids are going to like,” said Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk executive director MaryBeth Williams.

She advises people to get to good viewing spots early. “People look forward to it. They are linking up getting seats a couple of hours before the boat parade,” said Williams.

Christy Lauren is hoping for another winning entry. “We’re doing a rock-n-roll theme this year, so we’ll have some big surprises. Some special effect. Maybe a little snow,” she said.

The parade gets started at 6:15 p.m. Saturday at the Southern end of Davis Islands and ends at the Sparkman Wharf.