Holy Batman did Parker Tube Float 2009 go off!  The 32nd Annual Great Western Tube Float was the largest year ever, with estimates at more than 4000 tubes gathered on the Colorado River.  Event details show more than 2000 people registered and another 2000 joined in the fun and floated for free. 

The weather was amazing at around 85 degrees with a bit of cloud cover.  The only complaint was the wind made the float down river more like a stand still as tubes seemed to not move far from their entry points.

Tube float designs stepped it up in a notch in 2009 as well.  Rather than grabbing the standard tube available at the local store, groups built incredible designs and floated in style.  First time floaters, Team “Lulu”, designed a floating Tiki hut complete with Tiki torches, bamboo walls, grass roof and even a flowing waterfall off the back. 

The “Cuervo Cantina” was seen floating along equipped with bar and tequila to keep the group hydrated along with ocean-bound paddle boarders teasing stagnant floaters with their paddles and forward progression towards the party.  It was a day of fun in the sun for all ages that’s for sure.

By noon, we noticed quite a few thumbs up in the air looking for rides back to shore.  Around 2pm, Patrol boats began pulling floaters still in the water down to BlueWater Casino.  It was a long chain of tubes looking for a little help down to the party and out of the sun. 

Once we arrived at the Casino, it became obvious just how many people were involved in this year’s float…The beach was a rockin!   Groups posed for photos next to their favorite floats and took note of ideas for next year.  It was an amazing day had by all and judging from the turn out, we can expect the party to just get bigger and better every year. 

Many thanks to team “Lulu” for the photos and be sure to check out more about their day and tips for next year’s float below.