The Event Formerly Known As 'Floatchella' Returns With A New Name

Press release from the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce:

Aug. 18, 2022

The event formerly known as Floatchella returns on August 27, 2022 with a new name. After receiving a cease and desist letter from AEG Worldwide because of the name similarities to Coachella, we went on a journey to find a new name. The event, a partnership of The Downtown Mystic Merchants (DMM), the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and Ivory Ella present Float Ella - a pop-up paddle-craft only rally on the Mystic River. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this free event.

After we realized we needed to change the name we received an outpouring of support, and suggested names. There was an idea to reach out to local businessman Matt Fiano, owner of Ivory Ella, a national brand with a retail location in Mystic. Ivory Ella makes a difference in the world by making responsible, sustainable designs and supporting a mission to protect the elephants. When speaking of the idea of involving Ivory Ella in the event, he said “We are beyond thrilled to partner with the Mystic Chamber on this exciting event. The Chamber constantly provides unique opportunities to the community, businesses, and visitors alike. It is exciting to fully support a local event that connects to our mission as well. It's support like this for downtown merchants that will continue to help Mystic thrive in the future.”

Local businesses sponsoring this event are Electric Boat, Sunrise Home Inspection, LLC, Mystic Solar, Cannonball Management, K. Blake and Co., Keith’s Appliance and the Verizon Wireless Zone. The event also has strong support from the Mystic Seaport Museum, to whom we are thankful for their continued commitment to the community.

The event will take place north of the Mystic River drawbridge on the west side of the river, and outside the channel. All forms of floating paddle-craft are welcome, lifejackets are required, and we ask that motorized vessels stay clear of the event.

The event features the music of Explosion Band, featuring music spanning the 70’s to 2000’s and Electric Lady Band, a Jimi Hendrix Tribute trio. They will be playing on the floating stage tethered to land on Gravel Street, for all participants to enjoy.

Bruce Flax, President of the Greater Mystic Chamber, said “The previous events in 2020 and 2021 were received very positively in the community and we are excited to stage Float Ella on the Mystic River again in 2022!”

We are promoting four launching points: under the 95 highway bridge on River Road, on Isham Street, on Water Street across from the Daniel Packer Inne and on Williams Beach at the Ocean Community YMCA, where volunteers will be available to assist people and accept donations for the two organizations.

This event will benefit both the GMCC and DMM, and allow both organizations to promote the businesses that make up the Mystic community. If you would like to support the event by making a general contribution, please use the event’s VENMO: @MysticChamber.

Event merchandise featuring the new logo will be available inside Ivory Ella, right on West Main Street. In addition, there will be a merchandise booth on the water during the event.

The rain date for this event is Sunday, August 28, from 1pm - 5pm

This press release was produced by the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.