So maybe you're no Clark Griswold. Perhaps a European vacation isn't in the cards for you this year, but Marina del Rey will be feeling a little like Venice during its 48th annual Holiday Boat Parade. DJ Larry Morgan of 100.3 FM “The Sound” has been named grand marshal of this waterway shindig in which commercial and independent boat owners alike will light up their vessels like homecoming floats and sail them down the coast in a display of holiday hullabaloo. But while this may be a friendly holiday gathering for spectators, it's something else entirely for participants. Oh yeah, it's a smackdown. Showboaters would be well advised to get creative, as there are many prizes to be won. This year's theme is “A Rock & Roll Christmas,” and beyond Best Overall, top spots in categories such as Spirit, Light, Theme, Animation and Music are all up for grabs. If photos of last year's winners are any indication, less is not more here: If you're debating that extra set of red and green twinkle lights to accent the mechanical break-dancing elves you set up on the bow, best go for them. Judges view at 13650 Mindanao Way

Sat., Dec. 11, 6 p.m., 2010

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