Holiday Cheer (and Lights) on the Water

By Tom Johnson

You know, I went out judging Monday night for the Ring of Lights. For those of you in the know, the Ring of Lights recognizes the best decorated homes on the bayfront of Newport Harbor.

Now, before those of you who didn’t win begin casting stones, remember I only had one vote. But if you want someone to blame I’d recommend calling Ralph Rodheim, who was our volunteer chair.

You know, there’s nothing quite like yelling at a volunteer chair.

But we digress.

This is not the first time I’ve been tasked to help with the judging; no, actually, I’ve been fortunate enough to do it a number of times.

Here’s the deal. We gather (this time at the Balboa Yacht Club), wine or other favorite beverage in hand.  There are usually about 10 of us.

At first, it’s like old home week as we catch up on the year gone by. You know how guys are.

This year we talked about what a bad guy Tiger Woods has become, then winks all around as we realize no women are present.

“Boy, if it was only me” is the normal battle cry, followed by something like “grab me another beer.”

Guys are such pigs.

Anyway, back to the judging.

First off, Monday evening was a great night to be out on a boat in Newport Harbor. The water was like glass, and the temperature wasn't too cold.

We pushed off from the BYC dock and headed toward the Balboa Island bridge, finding a number of great homes along the way. One, in fact, won the Best First-time entry.

Then we headed back and around Balboa Island and found the usual winners. I hope everyone has had the opportunity to walk past the Rich home on S. Bayfront. They have so many lights and spinning displays that I’m sure that the Edison Co. sends them an annual holiday gift. It must come in a box, but it’s just their electric bill.

Judging is tough, largely becasue you have to balance a drink in one hand and with a scoring sheet and pencil in the other.

Rodheim, whom I mentioned earlier, is constantly encouraging all of us to stay on track and remain focused.

Meanwhile, the Seymour Beeks, the Brett Hemphills, Norm Witts and Gil Lukoskys are more concerned with opening another good bottle of wine.

Our boat captain and boat owner, Ray Lewis, tolerates everyone’s juvenile behavior.

After one spin around the bay, we gathered together to name the winners. Who has the Best Decorated business? We select 12, or in this year’s case, 13 home winners. The Best Clubs. And as I mentioned earlier, Best First-time entry.

The night to me, as you notice all the splendor of the lights and decorations, is my own annual acknowledgement that the season is at hand.

Each night through Sunday, those lights and our winners will be joined by the boats.

In all its pageantry, Newport Beach becomes celebrated around the country and probably around the world with its 101^st annual Christmas Boat Parade.

I hope you have a chance to enjoy it.

Tom Johnson is co-publisher of the Daily Voice.