Tina Cline boarded her boat, the Imagine That 2, on Saturday afternoon and set sail for a night of music, food and water at the fifth annual AquaPalooza on Chickamauga Lake.
Although Mrs. Cline, 48, said her favorite part of the event was just being out on the boat with her friends, she was waiting on one more thing before the night was over: the Convertibull’s lakeside performance of The Commodores’ “Brick House.”
About 300 boats, most of them carrying five or more passengers, came to the event that Sea Ray started five years ago. Since then, Erwin Marine Sales became the local sponsor that organizes the event in Chattanooga, said Jessica Arnold, marketing specialist for Erwin Marine Sales.
The Chickamauga Lake location was just one of several AquaPalooza locations around the world, including one in Texas where country musician Brad Paisley played, Ms. Arnold said.
According to the AquaPalooza website, more than 15,000 boats would be part of the celebrations that take place during the last two weekends in July each year.
Relaxation was the key Saturday night with guests anchoring together in 20-boat chains.
Everyone from children in inner tubes to adults like Mrs. Cline, who began boating after her children were grown, spent the day jumping from boat to boat or swimming in what Gene Hardeman, a friend of Mrs. Cline’s also aboard the Imagine That 2, described as “just good fellowship.”
Brian McNeal, sales executive at Erwin Marine Sales, said that the event, which featured local bands The Cadillac Saints and Convertibull along with free food and prizes, was just to get people together to have fun.
“This is what boating is all about,” Mr. McNeal said.
Boats of all sizes were welcomed, and guests ranged from those aboard an “86-footer” to those patrons who have mastered the skill of treading water while holding a drink.
Dr. Tony Avitabile, 50, aboard the Wild Bunch, said this was his 13th year boating and his fourth time at the event.
“The best part is just being with all these people and being able to relax,” Dr. Avitabile said.