Nik Wallenda/Festival of Boats Parade: What to Know If You Go

The Festival Parade of Boats, the kickoff to the annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix, is always a big deal in Sarasota.

This year's parade will be even better thanks to the inclusion of hometown hero Nik Wallenda, who gained international fame by walking on a tightrope across the Little River Gorge at the Grand Canyon last month on live TV.

The Sarasota native will serve as the honorary grand marshal for the 2013 boat parade.

Planning to go? Here's what you need to know:

What: 29th Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival Parade of Boats

When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 5

Parade route: The parade will run from U.S. 301 to Gulfstream Avenue.

Road closures/parking:  Portions of Main Street will be closed beginning at noon Friday. U.S. 301 (North Washington Boulevard) will be closed between Ringling Boulevard and Fruitville Road at about 5 p.m. For full details on road closures, visit the Sarasota Police Department's website.

TV: The parade will be televised on SNN Local News.

Who it benefits: Suncoast Charities for Children, a nonprofit serving children with special needs and their families in the Sarasota, Venice, and North Port areas.

Why Wallenda?: "It is an honor for Suncoast Charities for Children to dedicate this year's parade in honor of Nik for his outstanding accomplishments, and for what he has done for the Sarasota area, known for itsí circus heritage," Festival Director Lucy Nicandri said in a media release.

Who's in the parade: More than 60 entries in this year's powerboat race will be showcased. To further celebrate Sarasota County's circus heritage, Circus Sarasota will also have a float.

Grand marshal: Edgar Hansen of Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch."

Block party: The party, sponsored by The Observer Media Group, will take place at the corner of Lemon Avenue and Main Street from 5 p.m. to midnight. It will include food, vendors and live music from Kettle of Fish and Soul Purpose.

Alcohol consumption: The public consumption of alcohol is restricted to the area of the 1400-1500 block of Main Street, and only during the “Boats on the Bay” downtown block party hours of 5 p.m. to midnight, according to Sarasota Police. Outside this designated area, you must be seated at one of the several restaurants licensed to serve alcohol outdoors. 

Other events Saturday, July 6:

• Meet and greet with drivers, Hyatt Regency ballroom, 10:30 a.m. until noon
• Powerboats by the Bay, Centennial Park, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Motorcycle charity ride; registration, 9:30-11 a.m. at Jennette Properties Inc., 5899 Whitfield Ave; Last bike out 11 a.m., last bike in 2 p.m. at Powerboats By The Bay
• Miss Superboat Grand Prix bikini contest, Centennial Park, 3-4:30 p.m. 
• Hyatt Regency's pre-race party and fashion show, 6-11 p.m.

More info: www.suncoastoffshore.org