2nd Annual WON Arizona Open Back in Lake Havasu for 2020

One of the great things about living in Lake Havasu City is that you never have to worry about shoveling snow off the driveway. Even in the dead of winter, we still experience temperatures in the upper 60's. Our lake provides a plentiful supply of fish year round as well. Catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and all manner of bass abound in our local waters. Right now, panfish and smallmouth bass rule the waterway. So, I guess it's fitting that the WON Arizona Open 2020 takes place on the lake early next month.

• What: WON Bass Arizona Open 2020
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 - Maps & Directions
• When: February 5th, 6th & 7th, 5:30 am to 5 pm
• Deadline to Enter: January 31st

Western Outdoor News sponsors bass fishing tournaments all over the United States. Last year's inaugural event was such a success that they decided to bring it back to our fair city again this year. On February 5th, 6th, and 7th, they host the WON Arizona Open 2020 in Lake Havasu State Park. Participants may officially practice for the Arizona Open from February 1st until 12 pm on the 4th. After that, the water is off limits until the tournament begins at the crack of dawn on the 5th.

Anglers need to line up at the Windsor South Launch Ramp at 4:30 am on February 5th for official boat inspections. This happens from 4:30 am to 5:30 am each day of the event. After the national colors presentation at 6 am, competitors may head out to cast their lines anywhere they please. Awards will be handed out at 6:30 pm on February 7th in the Windsor Launch Ramp Stage area.

The pro purse pays 30 places, ranging from $1000 to $67,500 (including value of the BCB Sabre FTD that's part of the grand prize). The Pro Big Fish purse pays out $8000 in total while the Pro Big Bag pays out $3000 in total over the course of the three-day tournament. The AAA purse also pays 30 places, ranging from $400 to $6000. Their Big Fish purse pays out $4000 total with the Big Bag paying out $1500 total. Entry into the AAA competition costs $400 per person. Pros pay $1000 each.

Here's a helpful tip for finding where the smallmouth are biting this time of year. rocky areas and stick to shorelines. They also like to swim in the canyon areas. The earlier you drop your line, the better. They also tend to bite late in the afternoon.

Check out the current Lake Havasu Fishing Report:
www.fishaz.azgfd.com

For more information about the WON Arizona Open, visit Western Outdoor News' website:
www.wonews.com

Good luck!

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Buses By The Bridge is Back in Lake Havasu City for the 24th year!

January's shaping up to be a very busy month here in Lake Havasu City. Next weekend, go see Lake Havasu Buses by the Bridge 2020.

• What: Lake Havasu Buses by the Bridge 2020
• Where: Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 - Maps & Directions
• When: January 17th (starts at 10 am), 18th (starts at 9 am) & 19th (starts at 10 am) 

When I say "the '60s", what comes to mind first? Hippies? Woodstock? Classic rock? No other vehicle epitomizes the era like the VW Bus. While its roots date back to just after WWII, it gained major appeal in the US during the 50s and 60s. Its reasonable price and roomy interior made it popular with surfers and flower children alike. Even though the production of the VW Bus ended in 2014, thousands of people collect these buses around the world. For one weekend a year, hundreds descend upon our shores to pay homage to and swap stories about their beloved VW Bus at the Lake Havasu Buses by the Bridge event.

Your $5 admission fee per person covers you for the entire three-day weekend. Starting at 10 am on January 17th, stop by Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4 to see some groovy VW buses. Purchase your raffle tickets any day you're there. They've got some fantastic prizes to give away. Stop by the West Coast Bays camp at noon on Friday the 17th to create your own lantern for their evening lantern walk. 

Starting at 8 am on Saturday, January 18th, take a bike ride from Showmobile to Skate Park. Then, watch the BMX Freestyle Exhibit at 9 am at the park. A bounce house, coloring contest, and kids raffle keep the kids happy. Get the whole family involved in some clean fun by signing up for the Cornhole Tournament. Registration starts at 9 am at Showmobile. It's limited to 32 teams. Once those spots are filled, they won't take any more entries. The tournament itself starts at 1 pm.

The final day (Sunday, January 19th) starts off with a pancake breakfast cooked and served by our local Boy Scouts troop. It's also your last chance to pick up a commemorative T-shirt. The last raffles for this year's event as well as awards will be handed out at 10 am at Showmobile.

Want to camp out at the park for the weekend? The RV parking area allows for as many as 500 campers, RVs, non-VW vans, and motorhomes. They're available on a first-come/first-served basis. You must clean up your site before you leave. All park rules apply here and must be followed (no exceptions). Leashed pets are welcome. Bring bags with you to clean up after your furry friends. No glass containers allowed on the premises (park rules). The noise ordinance means no loud music or people after 10 pm. Keep fires off the grassy areas.

If you don't own a VW Bus and don't plan on camping out, spectator parking is free of charge. Make your way to the designated parking area via the event entrance off London Bridge Rd, next to the Bridgewater Motel. Have fun!

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10th Annual Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair Back at Lake Havasu State Park for 2020

So, we still have a week until Christmas. And New Year's Eve takes place the week after that. That means at least three more weeks of the Festival of Lights in the English Village. But it's never too early to start talking about the very first major event to take place in the new year -  the 2020 Havasu Balloon Festival!

Gates officially open to the public at noon on January 9th. Every day of the festival guests enjoy a full-blown carnival, live entertainment, demonstrations, arts and crafts, kit displays, vendors, and much more. After the flag ceremony at 7:20 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, watch as every balloon in the festival fills up the sky above Lake Havasu with their mass ascension. Then, watch the even more impressive Night Glow at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Believe me when I say, THAT is a sight you absolutely CANNOT miss! Balloons take off from Windsor 4, the Bridgewater Channel or wherever optimum conditions permit. To be honest, they might change daily. It all depends on what Mother Nature has in store. So, be prepared for takeoff from anywhere.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the 2020 Havasu Balloon Festival's website at
havasuballoonfest.com/schedule-of-events

Not a part of a team? Don't fret! Find out what it's like to fly one of these massive balloons by taking a private balloon ride. They come in two flavors: tethered and untethered. As long as the weather cooperates, these rides will be made available daily. Visit the tethered or untethered ride tents to schedule your time in the basket on the day you arrive at the festival. Tethered rides cost $20 per adult, $10 for kids ages 6 to 11, and $5 for 5-year-olds. Untethered rides cost $200 per person.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the 2020 Havasu Balloon Festival's website at
havasuballoonfest.com/schedule-of-events

General admission tickets to the 2020 Havasu Balloon Festival cost $15 each. They will only be available for online purchase until December 20th. After that, you can buy them at the Havasu Balloon Festival store located on McCulloch and Querio (next to Havasu Guns) or at the festival box office on-site on whatever day you visit.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the 2020 Havasu Balloon Festival's website at
havasuballoonfest.com/schedule-of-events

Hundreds of people like to do their hot air balloon watching from the convenience of their boats. If you do decide to spend time out on the lake during the festival, you can "park" your boat for free along the Bridgewater Channel and enter the festival directly from the beach. Land-lovers also receive free parking in the general admission area.

Want a real one-of-a-kind experience? Purchase a VIP ticket. This gives you reserved parking, a specially catered breakfast and/or dinner (depends on the day you choose), and access to the VIP tent with its private facilities. I must warn you, though. VIP tickets sell fast! In fact, Thursday's tickets are already sold out. So, if you wish to receive the VIP treatment on any of the other days, visit the online ticket office at https://havasuballoonfest.com/product/gondola-vip-tickets/ as soon as possible. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime, do you?

For a complete schedule of events, visit the 2020 Havasu Balloon Festival's website at
havasuballoonfest.com/schedule-of-events

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 The Lake Havasu 37th Annual Boat Parade of Lights

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you enjoy your time with loved ones? I know I did. Now that Turkey Day is done, though, it's time to set our eyes on Christmas. With only a couple weeks to go, that's a short time to pack a lot of holiday cheer into. To kick off the season, make plans to watch the Lake Havasu Boat Parade of Lights. It takes place this weekend.

Now, one night of boats parading through the Channel decked out in bright lights sounds like fun. What could be better than that? How about TWO nights of boat parades? From 6:30 pm to 9 pm this Friday (December 6th) and Saturday (December 7th), dozens of local boat owners parade their festively decorated boats through the Channel. So, after you spend the day finding the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list in the English Village shops, scout out a spot along the lake to watch the parade. Bring a lawn chair for your comfort.

Island side beaches allow bonfires as long as you use a self-contained portable pit. That means you'll need to bring it with you. Make sure you clean up all ashes and debris before you leave, too. Self-dug firepits not allowed. And no fire pits are allowed on the white sandy north end beaches either. 

Best places to view from:

- Nautical Beachfront Resort

- Rotary Beach

- Anywhere between Rotary Beach and Windsor Beach

- London Bridge

- English Village

- Channel restaurants

After the Boat Parade of Lights concludes, take a walk around the English Village. From now through January 5th, the village lights up with millions of twinkling lights from dusk until 10 pm. Santa visits the village every Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 8 pm. He takes requests and poses for pictures. So make sure you have your camera at the ready. Most of the lights are visible via the Channel as well. So, if you want to take a night cruise on your boat, don't forget to make your way along the English Village waterfront after dark.

Just because we live in the desert doesn't mean we don't know how to celebrate winter. The Boat Parade of Lights and the Festival of Lights are just two of the free events to get into the holiday spirit. How do you and your family get in the mood for Christmas in Lake Havasu?

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Lake Havasu Festival of Lights in the English Village

Thanksgiving's almost here. Will you be entertaining out-of-town guests? What do you do once turkey day is done? Spend the day on the lake perhaps? (Always a good idea, by the way). Explore the desert? How about checking out the 2019 Havasu Festival of Lights?

• What: 2019 Havasu Festival of Lights
• Where: London Bridge/English Village - Maps & Directions
• When: November 29th to January 5th, dusk to 10 pm nightly

Every year, the English Village transforms into a winter wonderland. More than half a million lights brighten the night skies around the village, through the Bridgewater Channel, and on the London Bridge. Perfect opportunity to take your Christmas card photo! 

This year's festivities kick off with a swim race across the Channel. At 6 pm on Friday, November 29th, the London Bridge Resort invites swimmers of all ages to race across Bridgewater Channel. The "winner" gets to flip the switch that lights the Festival of Lights. Where else but Lake Havasu could you host a swim race this late in the year?

The Festival of Lights opens nightly from dusk to 10 pm. It's open to anyone who wants to take a stroll. Start checking names off your Christmas shopping list by visiting some of the unique shops in the Village while you're there. Grab yourself a bite to eat, too. Park for free in the Village parking lot, at the London Bridge Resort or at the Convention Center. Santa will be there from 6 pm to 8 pm every Friday and Saturday throughout the festival, including opening night. He'll be taking present requests as well as posing for photos. So, make sure you bring your camera or smartphone with you.

And as if that's weren't enough, the London Bridge Resort opens up their ice skating rink on the same day as the Festival of Lights. It opens from 4 pm to 11 pm every Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to 8 pm on Sundays, and 4 pm to 9 pm every Tuesday through Thursday. The rink remains closed on Mondays and Christmas Day. 

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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Lake Havasu Grand Prix at Crazy Horse Campgrounds

In Havasu, we enjoy playing on land as well as the lake. Anything outdoors pretty much strikes our fancy. After all, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, who wants to stay indoors for long? Our city is encircled with literally thousands of acres of bare BLM land. It begs to be explored. The Lake Havasu Grand Prix 2019 takes offroading to the extreme with two days of dirt track racing among this dry, desert land.

• What: Lake Havasu Grand Prix 2019
• Where: Crazy Horse Campgrounds - Maps & Directions
• When: Nov 16th, 8 am to 5 pm, Nov 17th, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm

The Lake Havasu Grand Prix pits riders of motorcycles, quads, and UTVs against each other for bragging rights and prizes. Mini-bikes start the schedule on Saturday morning. UTV 570cc starts off the racing on Sunday. But both days finish with all UTVs. In between, enjoy racing between Pee Wee bikes and quads, mini-quads, big bikes, big quads, and trikes. 

A few rules before you attend. No riding in the pits or campgrounds. Anyone caught doing so no matter their age will be disqualified. Anyone riding a motorized vehicle must wear a helmet. Pets allowed but only on a leash. Keep kids and bicycles away from the racecourse. If you wish to fly a drone to capture the action, you must obtain permission from AZOP beforehand. All spectators must stay at least 25 feet away from the course at all times. Take any trash you or your group creates with you when you leave. Let's keep our land safe and clean for others to enjoy.

Get your adrenaline pumping this weekend. Cheer on your favorite riders as they race through the desert sand surrounding Lake Havasu City. It's fun that the entire family can enjoy together.

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8th Annual Sand, Water & RV Expo Back in Lake Havasu for 2019

While the Autumn chill and snow has begun to settle into other parts of the country, Lake Havasu City still enjoys highs in the upper-80s. That's why things like the Side x Side Poker Run and IJSBA World Finals can take place so late in the year here. Even so, our weather starts to cool off pretty soon too. So, it's a great time to get deals on your outdoor toys. And the 2019 Lake Havasu Sand, Water & RV Expo offers up some amazing deals for all who attend.

• What: 2019 Lake Havasu Sand, Water & RV Expo
• Where: Windsor 3 at Lake Havasu State Park (behind Hampton Inn) - Maps & Directions
• When: November 16th, 9 am to 5 pm & November 17th, 9 am to 3 pm
• Admission: $5/person ages 7+, FREE/kids ages 6 & under

Claiming to be the "Biggest and best outdoor recreation and motorsports expo in the southwest", last year's expo brought more than 8000 people to see what the 130 vendors on-site had to offer. This year, it could exceed that record-breaking amount (if you can believe it). Whether you're looking for an ATV, 4x4, toy hauler, RV, fifth wheel, powerboat, pontoon, sand buggy, golf cart or any other outdoor toy you can think of, you'll find someone willing to wheel and deal with you at the Lake Havasu Sand, Water & RV Expo. But there's so much more to this expo than that.

Join the Expo Poker Run for free. Pick up cards around the venue to create your winning hand. All you have to do is sign up at Danny's Marketplace while you're at the park. Do you like to paddleboard or kayak? Join the Paddlefest. There's a bass fishing tournament from your kayak and paddlefest poker run on Saturday. And Sunday offers a morning eclipse class with a fun paddle race to the London Bridge. Check-in for the paddlefest takes place on Friday at Windsor 4. And, on Saturday, everyone's invited to participate in the cornhole tournament for fun and prizes. Singles and doubles welcome. Just sign up that morning on the greenbelt to join in.

As a tribute to our brave soldiers, a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Additionally, some of the proceeds from ticket sales will also benefit Kids Corner Enrichment, a children's charity that focuses on outdoor recreation as a source for children's health (something we in Havasu strongly believe in and encourage). Representatives from both charities will be on-site throughout Expo weekend. Please give what you can.

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The Desert Hills Professional Firefighters Association 1st Annual SXS Poker Run

Lake Havasu City plays host to several poker runs throughout the year, both on and off the lake. Cooler temperatures make it a little more comfortable to traverse the desert landscape surrounding our fair city. The Desert Hills Professional Firefighters Association (DHPFFA) wanted to get in on the poker run fun. So, this year, they decided to put together their very first Lake Havasu Side x Side Poker Run.

• What: DHPFFA Side x Side Poker Run 2019
• Start/Finish Line: Anderson Toyota (6510 Showplace - Maps & Directions)
• When: Saturday, November 2nd, 7 am

Poker run participants meet up at Anderson Toyota at 7 am for a driver's meeting. The race takes off at 8 am. Everyone heads out along designated desert trails to Topock 66. Once there, grab yourself some lunch (provided with your $100 admission fee). Then, head back to Anderson Toyota. Pick up your poker cards along the way. Turn in your hand at the finish line to be considered for one of the cash prizes. Total miles along the course: 50.

Don't own a side-by-side of your own but still want to be a part of the action? Show up at Anderson Toyota on Saturday to send off the racers in style. Or meet up with them at Topock 66 at noon to enjoy some lunch with them. Come back to Anderson Toyota in the afternoon to greet them when they arrive back and party with them before the prizes are handed out.

To keep their first poker run manageable, the DHPFFA limited participants to 150 spots. So, if you want to be a part of the action, you'll need to purchase your tickets right now.

Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/desert-hills-pffa-1st-annual-side-x-side-poker-run-tickets-71570008823 to secure your position today.

Proceeds raised from the Lake Havasu Side x Side Poker Run help fund the purchase of a rescue side x side vehicle as well as other technical rescue equipment, training, and supporting local charities. Please support our local firefighters and all that they do. Sign up to be a part of their very first Side x Side Poker Run.

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Lake Havasu Collectibles and Firearm Show

The second amendment guarantees the right of the American people to "keep and bear arms". Some people own a gun for protection. Others use them to hunt. Some collect them, like baseball cards, stamps or coins. The 2019 Lake Havasu Collectibles and Firearms Show provides something for every category of gun owner.

• What: 2019 Lake Havasu Collectibles and Firearms
• Where: LHC Aquatic Center - Maps & Directions
• When: October 26th to 27th, 9 am to 5 pm
• Admission: $8 per day for adults, $12 for a weekend pass (Sat & Sun only), Free for kids 17 & under

The Lake Havasu Collectibles and Firearms Show includes private and professional vendors. You'll find both modern and antique guns at the show. But that's not all. You'll also find ammunition, holsters, knives, cleaning kits, and reloading supplies...everything you could possibly need when you own a firearm. For the numismatics, check out the coins for sale. Vendors also sell leather goods and handmade jewelry. Responsible gun owners understand how important safety can be, especially in a household with little ones running around. When not in use, keep your firearms securely stored away in a gun safe or lockbox. Find a great deal on either one at the show.

Make sure you bring a valid photo ID with you. While Arizona law does not require background checks to purchase a gun, some vendors run them as a security precaution. Typically, this takes only a few minutes. And not all vendors run background checks. But keep your ID with you just the same.

You must be at least 18 years old to legally purchase a gun from a private individual in Arizona. When purchasing a gun from a federally licensed dealer, you must be at least 21 years old.

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The 42nd Annual Relics and Rods Run to the Sun is Back in Lake Havasu

Attention all classic car enthusiasts! The Lake Havasu Relics and Rods Car Club host their annual Run to the Sun event this week. Whether you own a classic automobile of your own or simply enjoy looking at these beauties, this is one event you won't want to miss.

• What: Lake Havasu Relics and Rods Run to the Sun 2019
• Where: Bridgewater Links at the London Bridge Resort - Maps & Directions
• When: October 16th to 20th

Relics and Rods really know how to throw a party. Last year's event brought in more than 700 classic cars and trucks from all over the country. This year looks to host even more automotive devotees.

Organizers reserved Wednesday, October 16th, for welcoming participants and signing up last-minute car owners in the Run to the Sun. On Thursday the 17th, visit the swap meet/car corral between 7 am and 4 pm. It's open the same times on the 18th and from 7 am to 12 pm on the 19th. Car lovers have the chance to pick up parts for their own cars or entire vehicles at the swap meet.

Take cruising to a whole new level when you participate in the Garage Tour Poker Run from 9 am to 11 am on Thursday. The top two hands win a cash prize. Increase your chances by purchasing additional hands at $5 each. Then, "ooh" and "aah" as American muscle cars, street rods, European sportsters, and more cruise down Main Street/McCulloch Blvd from 5 pm to 9 pm.

From 8 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, come to Bridgewater Links to see these gorgeous vehicles up close and in person. At the Show & Shine, classic car fans interact with classic car owners. Find out the history of each vehicle as well as what it takes to keep these babies purring. On Saturday, watch RC boats race in the pond. Organizers host a fashion show and silent auction at the London Bridge Resort Convention Center from 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday. Awards will be handed out for all drawings and contests at 4 pm on Saturday afternoon.

Finally, the Run to the Sun ends with a parade down Main Street from Birch Square to Capri Ave at 9:30 am on Sunday. Afterward, local Cub Scout Troop #992 hosts a pancake breakfast in the parking lot of Mohave State Bank until 11 am. Please give them your support and enjoy a fabulous breakfast at the same time.

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