Big Boys Toys on Main in Lake Havasu City

What happens to the little boys (and girls) that played with Tonka trucks and Hot Wheels? They grow up and want to play with the real deal. Whether on land or water, you either go big or go home in Lake Havasu City. So, if you're looking for your next great adventure and need a vehicle to take you there, come to the 2019 Big Boys Toys on Main. 

• What: Big Boys Toys on Main 2019
• Where: Downtown Havasu (McCulloch Blvd) - Maps & Directions
• When: Saturday, October 5th, 9 am to 4 pm
• Admission: FREE

Classic hot rods. American muscle cars. Vintage Harleys, Indians, and Triumphs. Sandrails. ATVs. Bayliners, Mastercraft, and Chaparral. You'll even find heavy equipment will be featured here. Any toy you can imagine is featured at the Big Boys Toys on Main event. 

McCulloch Blvd will be shut down to all motorized vehicles between Mulberry and Smoketree for this single-day event. Park along Mesquite or Swanson for free. Then hoof it over to Main St for the main event. Food and product vendors line the streets as well. Bring your credit card and stock up on the latest safety equipment and/or accessories for your big boy toys.

Lake Havasu City is the perfect location to bring out your inner child. You have thousands of desert landscape to explore. Venture out in your toy hauler, set up camp for the day, and offroad to your heart's content. If you're more of a water-baby, the lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Plus, the desert temperatures keep the lake warm enough for the majority of the year so that you can take your boat out to go parasailing, water skiing or simply running around on the water. Drop anchor for a picnic on the lake. If you don't feel like hauling your watercraft in and out of the water each time you want to play, rent a slip in the marina.

Whatever outdoor fun your mind can dream of, you're more than likely going to be able to do it here in Lake Havasu City. And at events like Big Boys Toys on Main 2019, you'll find just the right vehicle to make your dreams come true.

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The IJSBA World Finals Back in Lake Havasu City for 2019

Water sports. Outside. In October? Yes! Thanks to our hot summer weather, the lake waters stay warm well into the fall season. That's one of the reasons organizations like the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) love holding their competitions here.

• What: IJSBA 2019 World Finals
• Where: Crazy Horse Campgrounds - Maps & Directions
• When: October 5th to 13th
• For a complete schedule of race times, visit: www.ijsba.com

What do you get when you take all the fun of motocross racing, add the agility of the X-games and put it all out on the water? The IJSBA 2019 World Finals! More than 750 of the world's best personal watercraft athletes compete out on our lake. And you get to cheer them on from the sidelines absolutely free of charge.

Riders compete in closed course racing, slalom racing, and freestyle (arguably the most popular of the three). If you plan on getting close to the action out on your boat, watch out for course signs. You won't be allowed within a certain distance of the "track" for safety reasons. Also, you might want to get there early to drop anchor. It gets a bit crowded, as you can imagine.

Dozens of PWC vendors come to the World Finals as well each year. You'll find the latest in watercraft, equipment, safety gear, and much more. While vendor row opens on the 6th, the bulk of the vendors will be there from the 8th to the 13th. That's also when actual racing gets underway. Racers primarily set up and run practice heats from October 5th to the 8th.

For a complete schedule of race times, visit: www.ijsba.com

The Freestyle competition takes place on Saturday, October 12th in the Bridgewater Channel. Feel free to bring your lawn chair and stake out a primo spot along the channel. But come early. Again, this is one of the most popular of all World Finals events throughout the week. So, finding a good spot to view the competition can get tough if you wait too long.

You'll never go hungry or thirsty with dozens of food vendors to choose from.

For a real VIP experience, though, come to the Craft Beer Festival on October 11th to 13th. Your $20 to $40 ticket grants you access to the special VIP grandstands to watch the competition out on the lake. Plus, you get to sample beer 12 different flavors of beer provided by vendors near (like Mudshark and Hangar 24) and far. Food vendors are mere steps away for your convenience as well. Just pick up your tickets any time at the VIP Craft Brew Gate located right next to the grandstands. Since you must be at least 21 years old to participate in the beer festival, make sure you bring a valid photo ID with you.

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IJSBA Fall Round of US Freestyle Championships in Lake Havasu City AZ

In May, PWC riders competed in the spring round of the 2019 IJSBA Freestyle Championship. This month, they're back for the fall round. Why? Weeks of triple-digit temperatures keep our lake warm enough to play and compete right up until late fall/early winter. Spectators get to watch all of the action absolutely free of charge!

From 1:30 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, September 28th, PWC riders hit the IJSBA course underneath the London Bridge

Come watch them race through the Junior Freestyle, Ladies Freestyle, the Beginner Open, the Veteran Freestyle, and the 800, 900, and 1200 Freestyle events.

You've never seen what a personal watercraft can do until you've seen it handled by a pro. Perhaps the most popular challenge for the entire day is the Hydro-Turf Best Trick competition. That takes place at 4 pm. Awards will be presented at the end of the day.

You'll be amazed when you see these guys flip in the air, rooster tail, perform a fountain shoot through, bulldog spin, hood spin, backflip, barrel roll, scarecrow, submarine, and Kamikaze through Bridgewater Channel. If you're lucky, you may even see a Monkey Jump or two. These guys know what they're doing!

Thousands of people come out to watch the freestylers in action. Organizers suggest that you get there early to scout a spot. London Bridge Beach may be the best spot to view the competition. London Bridge Resort also offers a great viewing platform but may be limited only to guests of the resort. Bring a beach chair with you to watch in comfort. Make sure you wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays. If you decide to stay out on the lake during the competition, make sure you anchor your boat away from the marked course through Bridgewater Channel. Lake police will be patrolling the area, so heed all rules of the lake for your safety and the safety of others.

It's just another day in paradise! The fall round of freestyle should whet your appetite for the IJSBA World Finals coming to Havasu in October. That's right, folks. We're about to see even more high-flying action out on the lake very soon.

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Havasu Palooza Country Music Festival Back for 2019

If you like country music and you love spending time on the lake, your prayers have been answered. The 2019 Havasu Palooza Country Music Boating Fest comes to town in September. And it brings a ton of talent to our waters for one day only.

• What: 2019 Havasu Palooza Country Music Boating Fest
• Where: Rotary Park & Thompson Bay - Maps & Directions
• When: Saturday, September 14th, 5 am to 6 pm
• Tickets: www.havasu-palooza.com/tickets
•  Facebook Event Page www.facebook.com/events/336243180353127
• Q&A - www.havasu-palooza.com/about

Take a dip while you listen to fantastic country music artists perform on the 60-foot stage set up right at the water's edge! Organizers set up a barrier for swimmers to float safely while they listen to the amazing line-up in store. BYOF (bring your own float). Safety patrols roam around the lake during the concert to ensure everyone enjoys their time without any hassles. But you can also watch from the beach if you'd prefer. Just make sure you bring lawn chairs and/or a blanket for your comfort. No seating will be provided.

Bands start playing at 11 am. This year's line-up includes Matt Farris, Brad Johnson, Drew Cooper, and Joel Maze with Southern Country. Food and boat vendors will be set up along the beach for you to visit while you're there. And public restrooms will be provided for your comfort. 

Would you rather watch the concerts from the comfort of your boat? Dock it in one of the mooring rows set up for the day. The first four rows include a safety buffer from the next one. Like regular concert seating, you can choose to dock your boat in one of these first three rows for a premium price. These VIP spots range from $100 for third-row mooring to $200 for first-row. Everything from the fourth row back is free. Or you may choose to beach your boat on the side of stage for $100. All docking fees are in addition to your regular $30 per person admission fee for the concert. Anyone with boat passes will be allowed admission to the docks beginning at 5 am.

• Tickets: www.havasu-palooza.com/tickets
•  Facebook Event Page www.facebook.com/events/336243180353127

Tickets are available on-line or for will-call at Rotary Park from 10 am to 6 pm on Friday, September 13th or all day on the 14th. This is a family-friendly event. However, all kids under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a ticket-paying adult. Have fun and get your tickets today!

• Tickets: www.havasu-palooza.com/tickets
•  Facebook Event Page www.facebook.com/events/336243180353127

• Tickets: www.havasu-palooza.com/tickets
•  Facebook Event Page www.facebook.com/events/336243180353127

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Southwest Nautique Regatta & Wakeboard Competition

World-class action isn't just reserved for Lake Havasu City. (Although, there's a ton of it happening every weekend here.) The Bluewater Resort and Casino plays host to the 2019 Southwest Nautique Regatta and Wakeboard Competition sponsored by the World Wake Association. Located a short 45-minute drive, Parker's a quick getaway from the local Havasu scene if and when you need one.

• What: 2019 Southwest Nautique Regatta & Wakeboard Competition
• When: September 13th through 15th
• Where: Bluewater Resort & Casino - Maps & Directions
• Admission: Free for spectators, Free for Nautique owners
• Contact: World Wake Association (863) 875-6929 or info@thewwa.com

Registration for the regatta and demo rides: http://www.thewwa.com/event-calendar

If you own a Nautique wake/ski boat of any year or model, the WWA invites you to participate in their annual Southwest Nautique Regatta in Parker, AZ. At the Regatta, Nautique owners receive valuable information on the maintenance, upkeep, and operation of their Nautique boat. Watch live demos of current model year boats. Sign up for your own demo ride (spaces are limited and some time slots are sold out). 

On Friday, the organizers put together a golf tournament. Make sure you bring your clubs with you if you want to participate. You'll need to talk to the World Wake Association to find out more about the tournament, including registration requirements. Watch professional wakeboarders like Shawn Watson, Shaun Murray, Erika Lang, and Cory Teunissan compete in the Gromfest around Wake Island Saturday afternoon. If you want to get out the water yourself, sign up for the Poker Runs being held on Friday and Saturday. Fun prizes await those who turn in a winning hand!

Things wind down Saturday night with a special 80's-themed dinner for all Nautique owners. Dress up in your neon/preppy/new wave best for a fully catered dinner at the Bluewater. Awards will be handed out throughout the evening as well. And, finally, Sunday's reserved for demo rides with Nautique athletes. But only if you sign up in advance.

Bring the whole family for a day of fun. If you plan on staying overnight, contact the Bluewater Resort to make arrangements. Let them know you're with the Southwest Nautique Regatta. But make your reservations now. Rooms will fill up quickly.

Registration for the regatta and demo rides: http://www.thewwa.com/event-calendar

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Havasu Daytrippin': Pirate Cove Resort

Looking for a great boating destination while you play on the water? Then you're in luck! I've talked about several different major locations that anyone can visit, play for the day (Laughlin, Las Vegas, the Hualapai Mountains), and then head back in time to sleep in your Lake Havasu bed. But somewhere a little closer to home that offers all the water fun you could possibly want is Pirate Cove Resort.

Head approximately 12 miles up the Colorado River just north of the I40. There, on the California side of the river, you'll find Pirate Cove Resort. Dock your boat in the marina or beach it at the restaurant or right in the channel. Then, head inside for food, drinks, and general good time! When you're ready to leave, fuel up at the Pirate Cove gas dock and be on your way.

Don't want to tool up the waterway to play at Pirate Cove Resort? Head out by car, truck or RV. It's just a 35-40 minute drive by land from Havasu. Rent your water toys once you get to the resort. Or tow your sandrail, ATV or other offroad vehicle so that you can trek through over 3200 miles of trails in the surrounding BLM land. Don't own an offroad vehicle? No problem. Rent a RZR XP4 1000 for a half or full-day.

Feel just like relaxing? Let the kids roam free at the water playground while you and your significant other lounge at the beach, sipping mai tais or an ice-cold beer. What's a water playground? Well, take all of the amenities a regular playground does (slide, monkey bars, swings, etc.). Then, toss in a nice water spray to keep you cool. There you have it. Oh, and they also include a rock climbing wall for added fun.

When you get hungry, visit the fun pirate-themed restaurant on-site. They're open from 8 am to 10 pm and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a full kids menu available. Misters cool you off out on the open patio. And the DJ keeps things hoppin' with great music played throughout the day.

The free water taxi ferries guests and visitors across the channel for full access to the entire Pirate Cove Resort grounds. If you want to celebrate a special occasion like a bridal shower, bachelorette party, birthday, anniversary or wedding, charter a yacht. Take up to 40 people on a two-hour tour of the river, customized specifically to fill all of your party's needs. You must make your reservation well in advance, though.

If you decide you don't want the party to end once the sun goes down, reserve yourself a campsite. Didn't bring your RV? Then rent a trailer for the night or weekend. Pirate Cove Resort partners up with JR RV Rentals to bring resort guests exclusive deals on 20' to 32' camper rentals. JR RV sets up and tears down the trailer for you. You just need to contact JR for the rental reservation ahead of time. Let them do the rest.

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Kiwanis 7th Annual 5 Iron Golf Tournament

• What: Kiwanis 5 Iron Golf Tournament
• When: September 7th @ 7:30am
• Where: Lake Havasu Golf Club, 2400 Clubhouse Dr. - Maps & Directions
• Registration at www.LakeHavasuGolfClub.com or call Armando Contla: 928.486.2234

A golfer usually carries 12-14 clubs in their bag (including a putter). Up to eight of these are irons. Anyone can potentially hit under par on every hole with a complete set of clubs. For the truly adventurous, try sticking to just one: the 5 iron. That's what the Kiwanis Club challenges you to do at their 2019 Lake Havasu 5 Iron Tournament.

On Saturday, September 7th, the Kiwanis of Lake Havasu City invite all golfers to Lake Havasu Golf Club's Desert West Course for a four-person scramble. If you're not part of team, that's OK. They can match you up with others. You won't need a caddy because you'll only be carrying your 5 iron. And don't try to be sneaky. No hybrids allowed. You must use your 5 iron for putting, driving, and chipping. Nothing else!

The tournament begins with a 7:30 am shotgun start. First and second place receive a cash award. Other awards include closest to the pin, longest putt, and long drive for both men and women. Yes, the Kiwanis welcome co-ed teams. And don't forget to enter the 50/50 drawing for even more fun and prizes.

Your $50 registration fee includes a golf cart during the tournament, green fees, and lunch afterward. If you would like to market your company or services to the players, sponsor a hole. It costs just $100 to do so. Contact Ginger Thornton at (928) 486-6836 or via email ginger.thornton@grarate.com or Armando Contla at (928) 486-2234 or via email atp.broker@gmail.com for more information about sponsorship.

Proceeds from the 2019 Lake Havasu 5 Iron Tournament help fund the Kiwanis Club's philanthropic efforts with the local community. They offer programs that help our children feel empowered to stretch their creative muscles as well as be an integral part of our Lake Havasu community. When you donate time and money to the Kiwanis Club, you are really helping our children and their future.

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Lake Havasu City Farmers Market

When you hear "desert lifestyle", a farmer's market probably doesn't necessarily spring to mind, does it? Yes, we live in a desert community. And we're surrounded by thousands of acres of desert landscape. However, this summer, we also experience our very own Lake Havasu farmer's market. As an added bonus, it's indoors!

• When: July 20th, August 24th and September 21st - 8am - Noon
• Where: 2144 McCulloch Blvd N (Old Schlotsky's Building) - Maps & Directions
• Lake Havasu Farmer's Market at (928) 235-8105 or via email at lakehavasufarmersmarket@gmail.com

Once a month throughout the summer, artisans, vendors, and farmers converge on the KAWS building to hawk their wares. KAWS (the Kitchen Art Work Space) took over the old Schlotsky's building on McCulloch Blvd. At the farmer's market, you'll find fresh produce (yes, I said "fresh") as well as amazing baked goods, seasonings, handmade candles, soap, jewelry, clothing, and more. Purchase pasta and dessert items as well. Basically, anything you need to make a great meal for your family with a delicious dessert kicker can be found here.

Fresh produce depends on what's in season at the moment. So, don't be shocked if the pickings are slim to start off. As the summer wanes, we should see a wider selection of fruit and vegetables available.

While you shop, let the kids play. Each month, the kids' zone offers new, fun activities to keep the little ones occupied. When you get hungry, visit one of the food vendors. Live music makes shopping all that more fun. 

The Lake Havasu summertime indoor farmer's market takes place on July 20th, August 24th, and September 21st. Vendors sell their wares between 8 am and 12 pm on those days. Most take credit/debit cards. However, cash remains king. So, you might want to visit the bank before you come just to be safe.

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4th of July Fireworks in Lake Havasu City

In just over a week, we celebrate our nation's independence. That's when the skies above Lake Havasu light up in a kaleidoscope of color. But the fun doesn't stop there. Continue the celebration with some musical mayhem at Havasu Landing over the weekend. When you fill in the gaps with time out on the water, you're never without something to do over the long Independence Day weekend!

First up, the 4th of July. Since it hits on a Thursday this year, I'd expect huge crowds out at the lake from mid-week to Sunday. Make sure to practice some of the safety tips I gave you last month. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't drink and operate a boat. And practice good safety at all times. When the sun goes down, you can either tie up with other boaters in Thompson Bay or bring the boat in and head to one of several viewing locations around the lake to watch the show on land. If you choose to stay in your boat, make sure you anchor early. The Bay fills up pretty quickly. 

If you choose to watch the fireworks on land, Rotary Park, the Nautical Beachfront Resort, and London Bridge Beach provide prime locations for viewing. Parking is free. Coolers are allowed at Rotary Park and London Bridge Beach. But I highly suggest you leave your pets at home. The bright lights, loud noises, and large crowds scare most animals. Their hearing is much more sensitive than ours. It's best for their sake and the safety of others if you leave them at home.

Fireworks are set to begin at dusk (around 9 pm). The staging area is on Spectator Point, directly across from Lookout Point in the bay. They'll be simulcast on 980AM. Tune in for a nice musical accompaniment set specifically to coincide with the fireworks above. If you do stay out on the water, you may be met with long delays at the boat ramps. Just be aware of that before you drop anchor in the bay.

On Saturday, July 6th, enjoy some musical mayhem at Rockin' the Dock 2019.

Littletown Band rouses the crowd with their free live concert out on the water at Havasu Landing Resort and Casino. Listen from the comfort of your lawn chair or blanket on the beach or inner tube out on the water. There's a sandcastle contest from 9 am to noon. Sign-ups take place from 9 am to 10 am at the resort's administration office. Food and drinks are available for purchase in the resort when you get hungry and thirsty. Come out for a day of fun at the water!

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42nd Annual Parker Tube Float Down the Colorado River

Yep! It's that time of year again, folks. Time for the great Parker Tube Float 2019. Lazy days on the river never felt so good. Not a bad way to beat the triple-digit heat either. 

• What: Parker Tube Float 2019
• Where: Pirate's Den Resort at La Paz County Park - Maps & Directions
• When: Saturday, June 8th, 8 am to 4 pm
• Admission: $20/person, $25/PWC or boat
• Contact: Parker Chamber of Commerce (928) 669-2174 or via email: info@parkeraz.org

Participants of the Parker Tube Float must arrive at La Paz County Park with their floats and gear (including life jackets) in tow. Floats need to be deflated as everyone will be shuttled to the Buckskin Mountain State Park start line.

You're allowed one boat or PWC to accompany your group of floaters. They should drop in at Buckskin Mountain State Park. From Buckskin Mountain, you'll float your way down the Colorado River to Pirate's Den Resort. Once there, let's party the afternoon away with music, prizes, and more.

Children under 12 years old cannot participate. Everyone must sign a waiver to participate. Waivers for children ages 12-17 must be signed by a parent or guardian. No more than 10 floats can be tied together. Inflation stations will be available at the start line to get your floats ready for the river. Once you reach the finish line, deflate your floats and put them in your car/truck. If you're not keeping them, dispose of them in the trash receptacles provided. 

DO NOT: 

• bring kegs, alcohol of any kind (including jello shooters) or unlawful substances with you
• float on homemade floats, including those made out of plywood, barrels or docking material
• bring anything in glass or styrofoam
• bring water balloons
• litter (pack it in, pack it out)

DO:

• stay hydrated with water or sports drinks
• wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• bring snacks with you
• keep your ID and cash on you at all times in a waterproof container (put phone in there, too)
• choose water shoes over flip-flops since the latter is easily lost while floating
• bring C-clamps to hook floats together (paddles or oars are optional but do make navigating the river a little easier)

Online registration has ended. Organizers strongly suggest that you pick up your wristbands early to avoid long lines on the day of the event. They'll be available for purchase at the following locations in Parker through the end of business on Friday, June 7th:

* Parker Chamber of Commerce (1217 California Ave) - available until 5 pm

* The Bar on the Parker Strip (10172 Riverside Dr) - available until 2 am

* Spanky's RV & Marine (400 Riverside Dr) - available until 6 pm

* Sundance Saloon on the Parker Strip (5920 Riverside Dr) - available until 2 am

If you don't manage to nab your wristbands beforehand, don't worry. You can still show up early on Saturday morning to register.

Grab your floats. Gather your buddies. Splash on some sunscreen and make your way to the Parker Tube Float. You won't be sorry.

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