SAN DIEGO - The 41st annual Parade of Lights, a floating procession of more than 80 festively illuminated boats on San Diego Bay, is scheduled for Sunday evening.

The Port of San Diego is using the occasion to kick off its 50-year anniversary with a "Pier Party" celebration at 4 p.m. at the Port Pavilion at the foot of Broadway in downtown San Diego.

The family-friendly event will include a performance by the Navy Region Southwest Band, food trucks and craft-making activities for children, such as two "bounce houses," a train ride and a sleigh.

Bleachers will be set up at the Port Pavilion to accommodate about 250 viewers, and about 400 chairs will be set up for the parade. Spectators can also bring their own chairs.

Parking will be available at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal for $10, according to the port.

Those who don't make it to the Port Pavilion can watch the start of the parade at 5:30 p.m. at Shelter Island. The decorated boats will pass by Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Coronado ferry landing.

The port district, comprised of the cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego, was founded by the state Legislature in 1962.

The Parade of Lights will be repeated next Sunday.