<div id="subtitle">NY town, regretting spectator drop-off, restores 'Christmas' to its holiday boat parade name</div><div><p>A town on New York's Long Island is hoping for better attendance at its 16th annual holiday boat parade this year by restoring "Christmas" to the event's name.</p><p>The Patchogue (PACH'-awg) Riverfront Committee says it decided to rename the event "Christmas Holiday Boat Parade" after taking over sponsorship from the local chamber of commerce.</p><p>Last year's event was renamed "Holiday Boat Parade" after some residents complained the name wasn't inclusive enough. But the committee says the ensuing controversy led to a dramatic drop-off in spectators. It says it's restoring the word "Christmas" to recognize that that most of the participants celebrate the holiday.</p><p>The parade featuring Santa Claus will be held Sunday on the Patchogue River.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=63764233&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

Copyright 2009  <a href="http://www.ap.org">AP News</a></div></div>