For the past 15 years, the lagoons of Mystic Island in Little Egg Harbor Township have been illuminated for a few nights every July as the summer heat transforms into a winter wonderland. The annual Christmas in July boat parade draws dozens of participants onto the water with decked-out rides, and the big man himself is even known to make an appearance.

This year’s parade was bittersweet, as family and friends remembered the man who started it all: Bob Rapp, resident Christmas enthusiast and…