Bear Paw – Everyone is invited out to Lake Hiwassee for a parade on the water starting at 1 p.m. Friday, July 5.
All proceeds from the event will go to Warriors Veteran Outreach, a nonprofit based in Murphy. This is the second year of the parade, which is organized by Jason Ireson.
Boats will begin lining up at 12:30 p.m. at Mountain View Marina outside of the “no-wake” buoys. It will then progress toward Harbor Cove Marina in Murphy.
Last year, there were about 30 boat entries, with this year expecting more participants. Prizes will be awarded to the top five best-decorated vessels, with additional awards for best dock parties.
In the evening, there will be fireworks at Mountain View and Harbor Cove marinas. There will also be a live band viewable from the water at Mountain View Marina at 6:30 p.m.
The Fourth of July Lake Hiwassee Boat Parade entry fee is $20 and includes “swag.” Shirts for gals and guys will also be sold to raise money for Warriors Veteran Outreach.
“I picked Warriors Veteran Outreach program because they’re 100 percent volunteer, and all the proceeds that go to them go to our vets. There’s no wasted funds, that’s huge with me,” Ireson said.
There is still time to enter a boat or become a sponsor.
Details: Call 727-275-0475 or visit lakehiwasseeboatparade.systeme.io/boat828.