Dec. 22. The organizer of the Dec. 17 lighted boat parade called the event a huge success with more than 1,000 spectators at the three viewing areas on Lake Norman.

Furcht

Spectators were asked to donate a new toy,; parade organizer Colin Furcht said three trucks of toys —that’s several hundred toys—were delivered to Little Smiles, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that helps nurses and other caregivers bring joy to children in tough situations.

“This is truly a great  reflection of our towns and the Lake Norman area as a whole,” Furcht said.