Friday After 5 Executive Director, Kirk Kirkpatrick, says boats have always been a part of the fun at FA5. Boaters love to anchor down and float within earshot of the bands.
“The idea for the boat parade just kind of came about one night when one of our board members looked out and said ‘we should have them all float by like a parade.’ The board thought that sounded like fun, so we’re going to try it!” Kirk said.
Kela Hall, with Hall Marine, is coordinating the boat parade. “This is a way to incorporate the boaters into Friday After 5. If it goes well, we hope to have this every year.”
The “Ahoy on the Ohio” lighted boat parade is scheduled for Friday, July 22. The boat parade is free for participants, and all boats are welcome as long as they register and pick up a number, but they are encouraged to turn their lights on and decorate if they want to.
Hall says she’s heard from several boaters who are excited about decorating. She’s heard mention of some TV show themes, summer beach themes, and luau themes.
The plan is to have all the boats line-up at English Park by 7:30 and leave at 7:45 to travel toward the bridge about 8 pm. The FA5 emcee on the RiverPark Center patio stage will announce each boat and explain their decoration theme as the boats float by the RiverPark patio stage.
All boats who register ahead of time are eligible to win the coveted Friday After 5 “Ahoy Trophy.”
Boaters, please contact Kela Hall or Paula Vuksinic at [email protected].
