Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017: The Party Returns
The Party Returns
Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2016 was a fantastic party and this year's event, Saturday, July 15, promises to be bigger and better than ever. Don't miss out on Grand Lake's largest on-the-water concert and raft up.
Ready to Rock
Based out of Tulsa, the headliner performer at Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017 is 5th Element, an upbeat, high-energy, power-packed cover band that blends a variety of genres, from country and classic rock to blues, R&B, pop and a little bit of funk.
Classic Barbecue With a Twist
Blazin' B's BBQ, the Grand Lake area's newest food truck, is bringing its mouthwatering barbecue to Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017.
The Unexpected
Blazin' B's BBQ food truck's pulled pork nachos are an unexpected take on barbecue; however, the result is a down-right tasty dish that is very popular with customers.
Sweet Treat
If you need a refreshingly cool treat during Aquapalooza, stop by the 8230 Enterprises/Worley's Ice Cream food truck for tastefully twisted ice cream.
Tastefully Twisted
Worley's Ice Cream food truck's soft-serve vanilla ice cream is swirled with a ribbon of flavor, such as chocolate, on the outside of the twist cone, as well as stripe of flavor inside.
Grand Lake’s largest on-the-water concert and raft up, set for Saturday, July 15, is expected to attract more than 14,000 boaters and water-lovers of all ages.
When you look back over your memories of summer 2017, there’s one in particular that is going to stand out — Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017.
The largest on-the-water concert and raft up on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017 is a not-to-be-missed party that is expected to bring more than 14,000 boaters and water-lovers together for an afternoon of live music and fun on the water.
Presented by 360GrandLake.com, Aquapalooza Grand Lake will be the coolest place to be Saturday, July 15, as headline performer 5th Element sets the tone for an upbeat, high-energy afternoon of fun.
“Aquapalooza is a good time. It’s about having fun and enjoying Grand Lake,” said Michelle Prine, owner and president of 360GrandLake.com. “The event has continued to multiply each year. People come from all over the country to be a part of this national event that has become a popular Grand Lake tradition.”
Thousands of boats will gather in Horse Creek for the eighth annual Aquapalooza Grand Lake event. In addition, hundreds will fill the designated swimming area in front of the 30-by-50 barge stage anchored about 200 feet out from SouthWinds Marina, which is once again hosting the on-the-water concert and raft up.
Held every year on the third Saturday in July, Aquapalooza Grand Lake kicks off this year at 1 p.m., with the fun continuing until 5 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages.
Aquapalooza Grand Lake is accessible by land or by Grand. Boaters won’t be able to miss the stage, the huge tent or the banners flying on many of the thousands of boats expected for the event. They are invited to anchor in the cove and enjoy the concert.
For those arriving by land, SouthWinds Marina will once again be providing official event boats to shuttle people from the marina to the swim area. The shuttle boat will only go to the swim area, where riders will have to get into the water.
ParadisePads will line the swim area in front of the stage with a number of colorful, foam water rafts for swimmers to lounge on during the event. ParadisePads also will be giving away some beer pong tables that can also be used as single person floats.
There will also be special promotion giveaways thrown from the stage, giving those swimming or lounging close by something besides great memories to take home.
Prine said organizers will provide “tons of inflatables, like beach balls and mats” in the swim area. However, she suggests swimmers bring their own inflatables and mats to know they’ll be comfortable.
Are You Ready to Rock?
The headline performer at Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017 is 5th Element, an upbeat, high-energy, power-packed cover band that blends a variety of genres, from country and classic rock to blues, R&B, pop and a little bit of funk.
“We are very excited about Aquapalooza,” said Christi King, lead vocalist for 5th Element. “We’d been trying for months to be chosen to perform and were excited and pleasantly surprised when we were selected.”
Based out of Tulsa, 5th Element covers an array of favorites from the ’70s to current Top 40 hits, and King promises 5th Element will put on an exciting show with something for everyone.
“We’ve got about 45 songs we will be doing that will touch on a wide variety of genres, from classic rock to R&B to country to current pop hits,” King said. “We love to have fun. We’re upbeat and energetic, so the songs will be too.”
According to King, some of the artists 5th Element will cover during its Aquapalooza Grand Lake show include Journey, Heart, Maroon 5, Chris Stapleton, Gwen Stefani, Adele, Stevie Nicks and the list goes on and on.
Barbecue Meats and Tasty Treats
Blazin’ B’s BBQ and 8230 Enterprises/Worley’s Ice Cream food trucks will be set up on the SouthWinds Marina property during Aquapalooza Grand Lake. Whether you’re hungry for a barbecue sandwich or a tastefully twisted ice cream cone, the food trucks will have a wide variety of options to satisfy anyone’s appetite.
The menu at Blazin’ B’s BBQ offers classic barbecue staples such as ribs, pulled pork, brisket and sausage, but also departs from the expected with pulled pork nachos and Buffalo chicken thighs.
The meats are served as sandwiches, dinners with sides or by the pound.
The 8230 Enterprises/Worley’s Ice Cream food truck will be selling its tastefully twisted ice cream, which is soft-serve vanilla ice cream swirled with a ribbon of flavor. There are nine flavors to choose from, all of which are described as unique and delicious.
Worley’s Ice Cream food truck will also have hand-spun milkshakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, pop and water for sale, as well as nachos and giant pretzels with mustard and cheese.
Fun for All Ages, But Safety First
The Aquapalooza Grand Lake concert is free; however, there will be a charge for the shuttle ride to the event. All shuttle riders must purchase a $5 bracelet at SouthWinds Marina before getting on the boat. The bracelet is good for the entire day, and may be purchased at SouthWinds Marina.
Life jackets also will be required for everyone riding on the shuttle boats, regardless of age. In addition, no animals will be allowed in the swim area or on the shuttle boats.
Prine reminds people riding the shuttle boats that bringing keys, billfolds and cellphones into the swim area is done at their own risk.
Located at 28693 South 4533 Road, in Bernice, SouthWinds Marina will also have parking available during Aquapalooza. There is a $5 fee for parking a car. For those needing to launch their boats at the marina, there is $15 fee, which covers both the use of the ramp and parking for their vehicle and trailer.
Only cash will be accepted for the shuttle boat bracelets and parking.
SouthWinds Marina has overnight boat slips available on a first-come, first-served basis for $40 each. For reservations, call the marina at (918) 256-8650. Primitive camping sights also are available for $40 a night at SouthWinds Marina.
Aquapalooza Grand Lake organizers rely solely on local Grand Lake businesses to sponsor the event and provide the free fun. Sponsors for Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017 include Grand Nation Responsible Recreation, Monkey Island RV, The Parrot Steakhouse and Grill, Current Pride Electric and Design, Austin Brown State Farm Insurance Agency, Dream Catcher Resorts, Jones Hardware & Supply, Langley Sonic Drive-In, Old Glory Fireworks and REC Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.
Aquapalooza Grand Lake sponsors also include Pier 13, Southern Darlin's Boutique, Paradise Pads, Walker’s Hardware and Lumber, The Lighthouse Supper Club, Stuff’ns Cafe, Zach’s Audio FX and Rough Water Docks.
Other sponsors for the on-the-water concert and raft up are Port Martin, Patriot Pharmacy, MarineMax Grand Lake, The Dam Rec Park, Grand Splash Marketing, Native Knot, SouthWinds Marina, ZFX Marina Audio and Graphics and JeffM Photography.
If you’re making plans to be a part of Aquapalooza, join the event on Facebook at 2017 Aquapalooza Grand Lake.
For more information on the event, visit 360GrandLake.com.
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