Talk of St. Patrick’s Day usually conjures images of parade floats pulled by colorfully adorned street vehicles.
But the term takes on a whole new meaning when St. Paddy’s Day celebrations hit the lake.
"This is our 20th annual on-the-water parade,” Lake West Chamber Director, Mike Kenagy said. “Our theme is ‘20 years of blessings’ and we enjoy every minute of it.”
Considered to be the “quiet side” of the lake, life on the West side livens up parade morn with a kick-off breakfast at Ozark Bar-be-que. Owner Pam Lanier has hosted the event along with her husband Brad for six years.
“It’s so great because people return year after year,” Lanier said. “And the costumes get more outrageous every year.”
Temps topping out in the 60’s, brought a breath of fresh air to the sometimes chilly water bound festivities.
“Up until a couple of weeks ago we had snow on the docks,” Lanier said. “It’s been so cold for so long that people are excited to get out and about.”
“We kind of deserve this day,” Kenagy said. “We’ve had at least three years of snow or sleet or rain so we’re very happy to have a sunny beautiful day for St. Pat’s water parade.”
A flotilla of more than 15 boats took part in this year’s on-the-water parade, stopping at several West side establishments along the way. Prizes were awarded for best decorated boat, best costumes and best “landlubber” costume.
Considered to be the unofficial start of the warm weather season, organizers hope to share the luck of the Irish with lake lovers for many years to come.
“Twenty years of blessings for us but 20 years back to you,” Lanier said.
Looking forward to next year’s parade, organizers feel particularly lucky with the event scheduled to fall on St. Patrick’s Day. Upcoming events on the lake’s west side include a special swimsuit preview hosted by Ozark Barbeque in April.
More information can be found online at www.ozarkbar-be-que.com and www.lakewestchamber.com.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKRCG