New Record Attempted at Raft-a-Palooza Aug. 3

This Sunday, Aug. 3, NH LAKES’ LakeFest 2014: Raft-a-Palooza, presented by Binnie Media, will attempt to capture not one, but TWO Guinness World Records. Organizers just announced they’ve filed an official application to target an existing Australian record for largest number of kayaks and canoes launched simultaneously. A group in Hobart, Tasmania set the current record of 308 boats on Feb. 9, 2013. LakeFest: Raft-a-Palooza organizers think they can bring this Guinness World Record home to the United States.

Pre-registration for Raft-a-Palooza has been brisk, with more than enough boats registered to beat the standing record. However, logistics will be key to get all boats officially counted and recognized for the record. Canoes and kayaks will tightly line the shore of Endicott Rock Park in Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee; following the 10:15 a.m. Blessing of the Fleet, paddlers will attempt to break the largest simultaneous launch record. Boats will then raft up for the 11 a.m. attempt to best Sutton’s Bay, Michigan’s standing record of 2,099 boats for the largest raft of canoes and kayaks.

Through July 31, Raft-a-Palooza “Last Chance to Save” registration is just $15 per boat; online registration for individuals and teams is simple and fast at nhlakefest.org. All boaters registered by July 31, will be automatically entered to win a kayak from LL Bean in West Lebanon and an overnight getaway from The Common Man.

Raft-a-Palooza attracts paddlers of all ages and levels of experience. Reasonably priced boat rentals are available during online registration: single kayak ($30), canoe ($40), tandem (2-person) kayak ($45). Reserved rental boats will be available for on-the-beach pick up.

Those wishing to beat the crowds and extend the fun can take advantage of early bird check-in and boat drop on Saturday, Aug. 2. Raft-a-Palooza attendees can get a special discount on the M/S Mount Washington’s 12:30 p.m. party cruise on 8/2, presented by Harpoon Brewery and Binnie Media; twofor $40 pricing is available by visiting nhlakefest.org.

Sunday, August 3, promises to be an exciting day on Lake Winnipesaukee. An expanded free, family-friendly festival will spread across Endicott Rock Park at Weirs Beach, featuring the kid-friendly Watershed Warriors education circuit, nonprofit exhibitors, special 2014 LakeFest patches for the first 100 kids who visit the NH LAKES booth after raft up, and live music. Andy Opel, author of Winnipesauke- based children’s books The Weirs and The Witches will meet with readers, as will Ronald Guilmette, coauthor of Islands of Winnipesaukee. A new Artisan Marketplace will join the mix, curated by Granite State Arts Market, and the New Hampshire Boat Museum will be onsite with a display. Attendees can purchase modern day canoes and kayaks in the vendor area. Food vendors will include Big Love Mexican Diner, Traveling Texas Smoke Shop, Del’s Kitchen, and Dog Days of Summer Ice Cream. Event parking is free at the Lobster Pound, and a complimentary shuttle bus is provided by The Tilton School.

In addition to offering a fun-filled day of paddling and on-shore entertainment, LakeFest also educates the boating public about the vital Clean, Drain & Dry! technique to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Funds raised through LakeFest 2014 directly support NH LAKES’ work to protect local lakes and their watersheds through education and advocacy. Since 2002, hundreds of paid and volunteer NH LAKES Lake Hosts have conducted more than 576,000 courtesy boat inspectionsand have made more than 1,409 “saves” of aquatic invasive plant fragments that were about to enter or had just left a waterbody.

Take advantage of the $15 per boat Last Chance to Save registration rate through July 31st, and learn more about NH LAKES’ LakeFest 2014: Raft-a-Palooza, presented by Binnie Media, by visiting nhlakefest.org or calling 603-226-0299.

Submitted by NH Lake Fest.