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.

Maps & Directions

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Boating Rules and Regulations on Lake Havasu

Boating is one of the many activities Havasu residents and visitors enjoy the most. The lake is a major draw for thousands of people all year long. We're already seeing an uptick in traffic out on the waterways. So, I thought this would be a good opportunity to remind everyone about Lake Havasu boating rules and regulations. 

Two of the biggest causes of accident and injury while out on the lake are alcohol and operator error. With a big holiday like Memorial Day coming up, you can be sure to see an increase in police patrolling the water. Just like on dry land, you can receive a ticket for a DUI. In addition, you may receive a fine and even spend some time in jail. It's not worth it. If you're the one driving the boat, don't drink. 

Boat drivers must keep an eye on the waterways at all times while the boat is in operation. Look around in all directions to make sure the coast is clear before turning around. Check for raised flags on other vessels. That indicates that a person is in the water. They can be difficult to see. Therefore, continually scan the area in front, on the sides, and behind you (when possible). 

When towing water skiers, inflatables or inner tubes behind your boat, you should always have at least two people on board. One person drives while the other watches the person(s) being towed. When someone falls off their skies or inflatables and goes into the water, the second person needs to raise their flag high above them to signal to other watercraft that a person is in the water. And anyone on a towable (including skies) must wear a life jacket. Same goes for anyone onboard a vessel that is 12 years of age or younger. Even if they aren't wearing them, you must provide one appropriately-sized life jacket for each passenger aged 13 years or older.

All non-motorized vessels have the right of way on the water. Smaller boats and PWC must give the right of way to larger boats. Any vessel towing another vessel has the right of way as well. Always pass on the right and allow plenty of room to pass.

Federal law requires that each watercraft carry certain equipment at all times. For most boats, this includes life jackets for all passengers, a throwable personal flotation device, a fire extinguisher, navigation lights, a horn, a visual distress device, a blower, a muffler, and a flame arrestor.

It is highly recommended that you take a course in boating safety to stay abreast of all current rules and regulations on the Lake Havasu waterways.

Arizona Game & Fish offers links to several online classes you can take. Visit www.azgfd.com/Education/Boating to sign up today.

Also, once a month, Apex Arms hosts a physical class at their facility. You can register for one of their classes here: www.register-ed.com/programs/arizona/11

Heed these Lake Havasu boating rules and regulations to ensure a fun yet safe time out on the waterways.

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Southwest Kayaks Hosts Lake Havasu Big Bass Bash 2019

Do you love to fish? Whether largemouth, smallmouth or striped bass are your forte, you'll find them all living below the surface of Lake Havasu. Southwest Kayaks wants to entice anglers of all ages and skill levels to cast a line for fun and cash prizes. That's why they host the month-long Lake Havasu Big Bass Bash 2019. And it all starts next week. 

• What: Lake Havasu Big Bass Bash 2019
• Where: Any lake, anywhere!
• When: May 6th to June 6th
• Admission: $10 (+ $2.24 service fee from Eventbrite) per person. Register
• Contact: Southwest Kayaks (928) 680-9257 or via email (info@swkayaks.com)

Follow along with updates on the Southwest Kayaks Facebook page

Unlike many other tournaments that only allow you to fish a day or two on one specific lake, the Lake Havasu Big Bass Bash 2019 permits fishing from any lake...ANYWHERE! That's right. While Lake Havasu offers plenty of prize-worthy fishing, you can submit your entries from any lake you choose. Those fish just need to be caught between May 6th and June 6th to qualify. 

First, register for this unique tournament at www.eventbrite.com. You will be sent an official ID card once you register. All fish must be measured using a Hawg Trough. No live bait allowed. Take a photo of the fish on the Hawg Trough with weight, your ID card and yourself clearly visible. Then, email your photo to alex@cactuswrenoutdoors.com at the end of your fishing day. Prizes will be handed out each week for the largest fish caught. Southwest Kayaks offers 100% payback each week of the tournament. All anglers MUST wear a personal flotation device at all times. No exceptions.

Participation in this tournament does not qualify you for Southwest Kayak's Fishing Open Championship nor does it qualify you for any AOY points. This is just for fun and the enjoyment of fishing. 

Remember, the Lake Havasu Big Bass Bash 2019 allows you to fish anywhere you please. Whether you travel to California's Lake Mead, Colorado's Blue Mesa Reservoir, Utah's Starvation Reservoir, Lake Powell... or stick close to home here in Havasu, any bass you catch can be eligible for a weekly prize. Register today!

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Desert Storm is Back in Lake Havasu for 2019 with a Street Party, Poker Run and Shootout!

While other areas around the country are digging themselves out of the winter doldrums, Lake Havasu City boasts sunny skies and 80-degree weather. And in April, we welcome one of the most anticipated boating events of the year: the Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout 2019. Performance boats from all over the country converge on Lake Havasu to compete for fun and prizes. You won't want to miss a minute of the action!

• What: Desert Storm Poker Run and Shootout 2019
• Where: Lake Havasu Channel & Site 6 Docks, McCulloch Street Party - Maps
• When: Street Party on the 25th - Poker Run April 26th & Shootout April 27th
• Visit the official website for complete schedule of events: www.stormpokerruns.com

The weekend's events kick officially kick off with a street party in downtown Havasu on Thursday, April 25th. This is where Desert Storm participants put their high-performance beauties on display. The public is invited, of course. Last year, over 10,000 hit the streets to see these boats up close. When you get hungry, slip inside one of the restaurants or bars for a bite to eat. Or visit one of the food vendors set up along the street.

The Desert Storm Poker Run starts off with a huge parade through the Channel at 11 am on Friday, April 26th. Get there early, though, to secure a good vantage point along the Channel or at London Bridge Beach. After the parade ends, the run begins. Each team races around to various points along the lake to pick up a playing card. All hands must be turned in between 5 pm and 8 pm to be considered for a prize. The top three hands win 15% (3rd place), 25% (2nd place) or 35% (1st place) of the pot. 

Click Here to see the Card Stops

Visit www.StormPokerRuns.com for complete event info and schedule of events

On Saturday, all drivers race around a pre-set course on the lake, starting at the Site Six Launch Ramp. To watch, set up your lawn chairs anywhere along the bluffs between Site Six and Spectator Point. See map. Another area providing an awesome vantage point is at the Nautical Beachfront Resort. Racing starts at 10 am.

If you plan on being out on the lake on April 26th or 27th, make sure you heed the racers as well as the course. Expect extra traffic on the lake those two days. And they'll be fast, too. Keep a heads up, especially when you have kids on board or are on a PWC, as these are harder for boat drivers to spot. And, please, for your safety and the safety of others, avoid jumping the wakes.

All spectator events are provided absolutely free of charge, including the street party and parade. 

Visit www.StormPokerRuns.com for complete event info and schedule of events

Event Map Overview - Click to Enlarge

Land Spectator Map

Water Spectator Map

Visit www.StormPokerRuns.com for complete event info and schedule of events

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Rounds 1 & 2 of the 2019 Hydro-Turf JetJam Racing Tour at Lake Havasu's Nautical Inn

Hundreds of thousands of people flock to our desert oasis each year. As a popular destination location for spring breakers, we start to see things on the lake jumping in March. They don't slow down until late in the year. Whether you come to play on the lake or watch others race around it, you won't be disappointed. In fact, the Lake Havasu JetJam PWC Racing 2019 takes place later this month and is always fun to watch.

• What: Lake Havasu JetJam PWC Racing 2019
• Where: Nautical Beachfront Resort - Maps & Directions
• When: March 30th & 31st, 8 am to 5 pm
• Admission: Free for spectators

Lake Havasu JetJam PWC Racing series kicks off with a season-opening social on Friday, March 29th. The racer and one guest have the opportunity to meet with other competitors for pizza and salad. But then, it's race time! That's when you'll see some high-intensity competition, aquatic acrobatics, and skilled twists and turns out on the closed race course.

The first two rounds of Lake Havasu JetJam PWC Racing for 2019 take place at the Nautical Beachfront Resort on March 30th and 31st. You must be a member of the AWSA (American Water Sports Association) in order to participate. Racers can participate in several different classes if they'd like. If you decide to race in more than one class, each additional class fee is reduced by 25%. Online registration closes at midnight on March 26th. A $20 per class late fee will be applied if you sign up after that. Register online here: www.jetjam.racing/rounds-1-2

Lake Havasu JetJam comes back to the Nautical Inn on April 13th and 14th for Rounds 3 and 4. If you'd like to compete then, you must register before midnight on April 9th in order to avoid the $20 per class late fee. Registration for Rounds 3 and 4 can be completed here: www.jetjam.racing/rounds-3-4

Spectators are welcome to watch the competition at the Nautical Beachfront Resort for free. Bring a beach towel and/or chairs for your comfort. But, rest assured. You won't be sitting for long while the racing takes place. Jump up and shout your support for your favorite riders as they whip the lake up into a frenzy. And, if you happen to be out on the lake during any of the Lake Havasu JetJam PWC Racing heats, stay out of the fray and far away from the designated race course. We want everyone to stay safe out there.

Maps & Directions

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The 2019 Lake Havasu Boat Show Back at Windsor Beach for the 28th year!

Lake Havasu City is an oasis in the middle of the desert. With temperatures beginning to warm up, expect to see more and more watercraft out on the lake each weekend. If you're in the market for a new boat, kayak, paddleboard, PWC or other water vessels, you're going to want to make the Lake Havasu Boat Show 2019 your destination of choice.

• What: Lake Havasu Boat Show 2019
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park - Windsor 4 / Maps & Directions
• When: April 5th, 12 pm to 6 pm, April 6th, 9 am to 6 pm & April 7th, 9 am to 3 pm
• Admission: $8 per person, kids ages 6 & under are free

www.LakeHavasuBoatShow.com

The Lake Havasu Boat Show 2019 takes place over the first weekend in April. Whether you want a party barge for when out-of-town guests visit or need a quiet fishing boat to catch the throngs of bass and catfish living in the lake, the boat show has it all. Many vendors include "show only" discounts that weekend as well. Take it out for a spin on the lake (kick the tires, as it were) before you buy with a dockside demonstration.

The Lake Havasu Boat Show will feature over 150 exhibitors and more than $50 million in boats and marine accessories including fishing boats, pontoons, family runabouts, wakeboard/ski boats, personal watercraft, jet boats, and the hottest high performance sport boats the country has to offer.

Arizona law requires that each boat provide at least one size-appropriate life jacket for each person on board. If your kids have outgrown last year's USCG-approved jacket, it might be time to pick a new one up at one of the vendors on-site. Also, check out the latest and greatest in safety gear and watercraft accessories.

For a bit of fun, the Lake Havasu Boat Show includes a poker run. But this one's for landlubbers! The run is open to everyone. Simply visit various vendors and exhibitors at the show to pick up a card. Winning hands receive cool prizes. And, if you're up for it, try your hand in the cornhole championships on Saturday or Sunday. Compete in either the "social" (new to the game) or "experienced" (more competitive) categories.

Tickets for Lake Havasu Boat Show 2019 cost just $8 per person per day (cash only). All kids under the age of seven who are accompanied by a paid adult get in for free. Park for free in any of the designated parking spots at Lake Havasu State Park. Boat owners can park on the beach during boat show hours as well. This event allows pets in as well. But, they must be on a leash. Please pick up after them as well.

Maps & Directions

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Extreme Machines Event back in Lake Havasu for 2019

When it comes to outdoor living, Lake Havasu goes to the extreme on land and lake. While the lake offers plenty to do, thousands of people each year take advantage of the surrounding desert terrain to get some serious off roading done. Dirtbikes. ATVs. UTVs. Jeeps. And the vast array of fully customized sandrails you see here is absolutely sick! For anyone who enjoys a fine piece of automotive machinery, Lake Havasu Extreme Machines 2019 offers the perfect way to spend a Saturday.

• What: Lake Havasu Extreme Machines 2019
• Where: Main St & McCulloch Blvd - Maps & Directions
• When: March 9th, 9 am to 6 pm
• Admission: FREE

At Lake Havasu Extreme Machines 2019, you'll see more than offroad rides. Vintage cars, motorcycles, and trucks also make an appearance. Rare vehicles like the 1915 Harley-Davidson Factory Racer motorcycle have made appearances in the past. This year's event is hosted by Lake Havasu's very own ProPrecision Sand & Offroad. So, you KNOW there will be some serious sand toys on display!

During the Lake Havasu Extreme Machines event, Main Street. will be shut down to automotive traffic. In addition to the dozens of "extreme machines" on display, watch live entertainment going on all day long at the corner of Querio and McCulloch. If walking around sparks up your appetite, the Lake Havasu High School Boosters will be selling food and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Proceeds benefit the LHHS athletic department. Support our local athletes. Grab a bite from the Boosters.

Looking for even more fun? How about a poker run? Join the River Coupon Poker Run for free. Visit assorted shops along Main Street to pick up your playing cards. The best hand of the day wins an Alpine audio cooler valued at $1000 for 1st place. The poker run starts at 9 am, with the winner announced at 4 pm.

Get ready for summer adventure. Come out to Lake Havasu Extreme Machines 2019.

Maps & Directions

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17th Annual Bluegrass on the Beach Music Festival Back in Lake Havasu

Bluegrass music has its roots firmly planted in American soil. Dating back to the early 1900s, bluegrass took inspiration from Appalachian music, jazz, gospel, and blues. It's enjoyed a strong fan following for decades. And this week, you can celebrate the best that this music offers at the Lake Havasu Bluegrass on the Beach Music Festival.

• What: Lake Havasu Bluegrass on the Beach Music Festival
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park - Maps & Directions
• When: March 1st-3rd, 2019 10 am to 6:30 pm (gates open at 8:30 am daily)
• Admission: $10 to $100 to camp (free for kids ages 12 & under)
•  

Purchase your tickets now by visiting the online box office at
www.bluegrassonthebeach.com

Ten different bands perform live over the entire three-day Music Festival. Jeff Scroggins & Colorado kick things off at 10 am on Friday. Midnight Run, the Central Valley Boys, and Little Roy & Lizzie are among the others making multiple appearances.

But for one night only (Saturday night), Rhonda Vincent & The Rage headline hit the stage. You'll be hard-pressed to sit still. So, feel free to kick up your heels and hoot and holler with the rest of the group. Crowd participation is always encouraged.

The cost of tickets for the Lake Havasu Bluegrass on the Beach Music Festival varies. Anyone attending on Friday or Sunday pays $20 per adult or $10 for ages 13 to 17. Since the big guns come out on Saturday, that will cost you $5 more per adult. Teens still pay just $10 each. If you don't want to miss a moment of the three-day event, dry camping is available with the purchase of a three-day pass. Purchase your pass online before Friday and pay $95 each. If you wait until the day of the event, you'll pay $100 per person. Kids under the age of 13 get in absolutely free any day of the festival.

Purchase your tickets now by visiting the online box office at
www.bluegrassonthebeach.com

Maps and Directions

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The 15th Annual IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Endurance Race is Back in Lake Havasu for 2019

Endurance racing on the water. That's what the 2019 IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300 is all about. This is a personal watercraft race unlike anything you've ever seen before. And it involves dozens of teams from all over the world, including Canada, Europe, and Asia. You aren't going to want to miss a moment of it!

• What: 2019 IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300
• Where: Crazy Horse Campgrounds - Maps & Directions
• When: Saturday, February 23rd, 8 am to 3 pm
• Admission: Free for spectators

Official Site - www.markhahn300.com

Professional and amateur riders both compete for cash and prizes at the 2019 IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300. This just so happens to be the longest PWC endurance race in the world. And it's one of the few that utilize a Le Mans-style start (instead of starting on their PWCs, competitors race from a start line onshore to their awaiting vehicles). The intensity starts before the engines do.

The entire race consists of 30 laps around a 10-mile track. Periodically, the rider switches off with another team member, who continues on in the race. Over the 5+ hours around the race course, you'll see several refueling stops that test the mettle of experienced pit crews. These stops must be done onshore. So the wear and tear on every team shows as the day rolls on. 

Spectators can watch the race absolutely free of charge. However, I'd suggest coming a bit early to find a good parking spot. They are at a premium and limited to first come/first served. Also, bring a blanket or lawn chair with you for your own viewing comfort. A pair of binoculars wouldn't hurt either.

www.markhahn300.com

With a race this long, the overall winner of the 2019 IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300 won't necessarily be a professional. Amateur riders have just as good of a chance to claim the winner's title as anyone else. That's part of what makes this race so exciting. Bring the family and some healthy vocal cords (you'll be screaming for sure) for a full day of racing action at Crazy Horse Campgrounds.

Maps & Directions

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WORCS is Back in Lake Havasu for Round 2 of the ATV/SXS Series

While the rest of the country is fighting off the deep freeze of winter, Lake Havasu City is gearing up for some offroad racing. The World-Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) pits the best of the best ATV and SXS racers against each other in series competition. The 2019 off-road racing season is in full force in Lake Havasu!

• What: WORCS Round 2 ATV/SXS Off-Road Racing in Havasu
• Where: Crazyhorse Campgrounds - Maps and Directions
• When: February 22nd (7 am to 10 pm), 23rd & 24th (6 am to 10 pm)
• Admission for Spectators: $10 to $20

More info and complete event info at the official Page: www.worcsracing.com

Friday, February 22nd is strictly a practice day for all contestants in the WORCS ATV/SXS Off-Road Racing competition in Havasu. Everyone is welcome to come to watch. Gates open at 7 am and close at 10 pm. Racing begins at 7:30 am on Saturday and Sunday. 

Spectators pay just $10 per day for adults and kids (ages 12 & under). But, if you want to watch all the practice and racing sessions, spend $20 for an adult weekend pass and $15 for a kid's weekend pass. Seniors (ages 65+) and military members get in absolutely free of charge with a valid ID. Some dry camping spots are open for the weekend at just $15 per night. Parking costs $10 per vehicle inside the gate. However, it's absolutely free to park outside of the gate.

Now, if you feel like you have what it takes to actually compete in the WORCS ATV/SXS 2019 Off-Road Racing in Havasu, then you should sign up immediately. Whether you're a member of the WORCS race family or not, you can compete. But you'd better hurry. Registration closes at midnight this Friday, February 15th. Visit the WORCS pre-registration page here www.secure.tracksideprereg.com/worcs/ to sign up right now. Registration fees vary from $30 for youth racing all the way up to $100 for the pros.

Don't miss that hot motorcycle racing action either. WORCS comes back March 1st, 2nd and 3rd for their MC round in Havasu. Ticket prices for spectators remain the same. So does the cost to compete. But, you have until midnight on February 22nd to sign up to compete in those races. Visit https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/worcs/ to register today.

Maps & Directions

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