Boston duck boats ready to roll for Celtics championship parade

BOSTON – There are less than 24 hours until the champion Boston Celtics leave the TD Garden for their parade. Excited fans have mapped out their locations and all that remains is to fine-tune the champions’ rides.

As for the rides carrying the champions, they better be ready to embark on a parade for the history books. And yes, we have heard this saying: “Cue the duck boat!” »

“Cue the Duck Boats is our signature at this point,” said Tom Vigna of Boston Duck Tours.

But the work begins before the big show. Behind the scenes, a team is working to get the fleet of 25 duck boats back into tip-top shape.

“Down to a science”

“Even though this will be the 13th Boston Duck Tours Championship Parade, it’s personally my first, so I’m super excited,” Vigna said. “These guys behind us had a long day and it’s pretty hot today, but it’s not our first rodeo, they’ve got it down to a science.”

It’s all on the ground. For example, crews must adjust roofs for some of the biggest talents on board.

The seats are also taken out, the stands are installed, there is cleaning of course and the banners are the finishing touch.

One of the champions who will be on the duck boats is number 42 himself, Al Horford. But first he made a stop in front of hundreds of faithful fans are waiting to see the superstar at Raising Cane’s in the stifling heat.

“The energy is amazing, I’m just grateful,” Horford said. “These are the kinds of things you dream of and, being in this position right now, I’m grateful.”

And grateful for this moment, fans are excited and have waited long enough to see history made.

“Excited, what more could you ask for, it’s the best thing in the world,” said Donte Ferrera.

“The pain comes from it finally happening, JT doing it, JB doing it, it doesn’t matter,” Andre Boone said.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Garden. Officials say get there early, stay hydrated and have fun.