Float Your Boat sails to success

More than 5000 people lined the Toronto foreshore on Friday night as the Float Your Boat flotilla lit up Lake Macquarie.

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A giant humpback whale, a colourful homage to late children’s author Eric Carle and his renowned Hungry Caterpillar and a Sydney Opera House complete with a real-life opera singer were among the illuminated creations to join the waterborne parade.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said that while Saturday night had to be cancelled due to bad weather, Friday night’s cruise along the western side of the lake was a huge success.

“It was a really wonderful evening, and fantastic to see so many families lining the shore all the way from Marmong Point to Wangi Wangi,” she said.

“After COVID forced the cancellation last year, it was great to be able to bring our community together again for this event.”

Onshore activities focused on Toronto, where a free live-site included live music, roving entertainers and a hula-hoop and fire dancing show by local performer Hannah Indigo.

A second, smaller live-site at Wangi Wangi welcomed the boats as they pulled alongside at the end of the evening.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said she was once again impressed by the creative skills of the boaties and artists who took part this year.

“It’s magical to see all the boats cruising in a long line from Marmong Point Marina out onto the lake,” Cr Fraser said.

“And it was equally impressive to see all the people lining the shore, enjoying our beautiful lake.”

Voting is open until Thursday for the People’s Choice Award, where the most popular boat in the procession will win $2000. Anyone who casts a vote in the contest is in the running to win a $100 Visa gift-card.

Go to lakemac.com.au/floatyourboat to vote.