Welland Floatfest is more than just a day of floating on the Welland Recreational Canal; it’s a heartwarming trip down memory lane. Floatfest Board Member Terra Gisel says, “Years ago, families would come to the Welland Canal to hang out and have barbecues, they would water ski, there were boats on the water. It was a family-oriented area. And throughout the years, that faded away.”
That was until Floatfest Founder Phil Gladman, who had fond memories as a kid of drifting down the Canal in a floatie wanted to create an event that would help people re-live those childhood memories. Back then, there were lazy days filled with boating, swimming, jet skiing, and the thrill of jumping off the rail bridge into the Canal.
Floatfest brings back nostalgia, inviting everyone to relive those carefree moments.
Fun for the entire family
On Sunday, July 14th, come down to Rotary Park (formerly Scuba Park) with your favorite floatation device for a leisurely day of relaxing on the Welland Canal. An industrial inflation station will be on site with volunteers to help you inflate your device.
Registration begins at 10am. At noon, participants begin entering the water in a safe way. The floating caravan will travel from the Lincoln Street Docks to the Lincoln Street Bridge with exit points along the way.
Floatfest Board Member Shane Christopher Neal says, “Often participants come as a family, get in their floatation devices and go where the current may take them. You’d be surprised at the kinds of floatation devices people bring, including huge castles.” Throughout the day, thousands of people will take to the water.
Safety is a top priority
Waivers must be signed to enter the water. Anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent. Safety boats will have the right-of-way in the water. If you hear a horn, please move aside safely. If you hear a whistle, know that security is trying to get someone’s attention.
No whistles, horns, or noise makers are allowed for safety reasons. Security on jet skis will recover floaties that drift off course. Everyone must be out of the water by 7pm.
St. Johns Ambulance will be on site in case of illness or injury.
Giving back to the community
Thanks to the continued support from Canadian Tire in Welland, Floatfest is a free family event. Terra Gisel says, “We thank Canadian Tire Welland for being the founding sponsor of the Welland Floatfest. If you’re looking for a floatation device, they have many available.”
There is no admission other than a request to bring a non-perishable or hygiene item to donate to Community Food Drives. Everything is inexpensive so families can gather to celebrate being together and to celebrate Welland.
Music Extravaganza
The live music begins on stage at Noon. Whether you’re into rock, pop, or something more mellow, there’s something for every music lover. Shane Christopher Neal says, “The live music is set up on stage in the heart of the vendors area. You can hear the music while out on the water or while simply enjoying a bite to eat or strolling in the park.
The entertainment line-up includes 9 bands, all from the Niagara Region. The headline performance is at 8:30pm, featuring The Breakfast Club. DJ Tanner will be filling in the gaps throughout the day.
Celebration with Fireworks
Everyone is invited to spend the day along the Welland Canal, enjoying the water, delicious food, live entertainment, an artisans’ market, and all kinds of fun for the kids. The day will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks show at 10pm.
Floatfest is a celebration of community, fun, and the simple joys that have made summers in Welland unforgettable. So, on Sunday, July 14th grab your floatie and make new memories on the Canal. It’s about coming together as a community and appreciating the beautiful Welland Canal.
For more information visit them online here.
