Create great memories for yourself, your family and friends this summer by joining the Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla at Lake Junaluska during its Independence Week Celebration, held June 28 through July 5.
The decorated boat parade will start at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, at the Lake Junaluska Outfitters boat beach next to the lakeside swimming pool. Participants should arrive no later than 9 a.m. in order to have time to decorate their boats in the spirit of the theme, “Sweet Land of Liberty.”
Participants are urged to decorate their canoe, kayak, raft, paddleboard or other non-motorized watercraft in red, white and blue and dress in Independence Day costumes to celebrate our nation’s independence and its 250th anniversary. Lake Junaluska encourages all participants to wear a life jacket for this event.
Spectators may view the flotilla from the Kern Center, Rose Walk, the Harrell Center and The Colonnade.
Judges will be positioned at The Colonnade and prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic, Most Creative and Best Costumed Crew & Spirit. Winners will be announced at the cookout picnic, which is set for 12-2 p.m., Saturday, July 4, at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym, following the Independence Day Parade at 11 a.m. on North Lakeshore Drive.
Everyone throughout Haywood County is invited to participate in this long-time family-fun event. To register, visit https://bit.ly/flotilla2026.