Every year, the boating season brings out island residents, their friends and others from the Bay Area and across the country. Opening Day on the Delta is held Saturday, April 21 at noon at the San Joaquin Yacht Club, 550 Riverview Place in Bethel Island. The event is hosted by the San Joaquin Yacht Club and co-sponsored by the Bethel Island Chamber of Commerce.

The public is invited to join the festivities by entering their boat, sea doo or floating vessel in the parade or just come by the club to watch the procession. This year’s theme is American Spirit. The island’s restaurants and businesses will be open and ready to party while spectators watch the parade that circles the island for nearly 12 miles. No registration fee is charged for participation in the parade.

The parade marshal this year is Past Commodore Marguerite Lawry, who will be accompanied by five past club Members of the Year in the lead boat: Marilyn Fisher, Jody Merriam, Ginny Pierce, Buzz Wadsworth, and Carey and Wendy Swiers.

Food ($6) is available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the awards ceremony is slated for 5. Registration forms and rules are available at www.sjyc.org. Parade participants should print and bring the forms to the club. For more information, call 925-684-2390.

Parade categories to be judged are Commodore’s Choice, People’s Choice and Best Decorated Boat. Special plaques will be awarded to winners of Commodore’s Choice and People’s Choice, and plaques will be awarded to all participants. Winner of Best Decorated Boat will receive a cash award of $100.

The Discovery Bay Yacht Club is also hosting its annual summer kickoff event this weekend. Opening Day fun starts from the marina with the parade at 1 p.m. followed by an Open House at the club featuring free hamburgers. Non-members are welcome.