Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017: A Few Things You Should Know

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.

Grand Lake’s Largest On-The-Water Concert and Raft Up Is Going to Be a Great Party. We Want It to Be Safe Too.

If you’re planning on attending Aquapalooza Grand Lake 2017, the largest on-the-water concert and raft up on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees Saturday, July 15, there are a few things you need to know.

First, as you hang out with more than 14,000 of your best friends, have a good time. That’s what Aquapalooza Grand Lake is all about.

“Aquapalooza is a good time. It’s about having fun and enjoying Grand Lake,” said Michelle Prine, owner and president of 360GrandLake.com, which organizes Aquapalooza Grand Lake.  “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.”

So, be friendly. Say hello. Maybe share a cold beverage or an inflatable with someone you just met. But, also be safe.

Thousands of boats will gather in Horse Creek for the eighth annual Aquapalooza Grand Lake event. In addition, hundreds will fill the designated swimming pool 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.

That’s a lot of people having a good time and we want everyone to be safe, so you can join the fun again next year.

The GRDA, Bernice Police Department and other area law enforcement and fire departments will be patrolling during the event, both on land and in the water. We follow all state and local laws, and so should you.

This is a family-friendly event, so anyone acting indecently will be escorted from the event by law enforcement.

So, if you can’t control yourself and the amount of alcohol you drink, then we highly suggest you plan ahead and get yourself a babysitter. Your other option is to talk to local law enforcement.

Getting to the Party

If you are coming to Aquapalooza Grand Lake by land, here is some additional information you need to know:

Parking at SouthWinds Marina will cost you $5 cash per car. If you want to launch your boat at SouthWinds and park your vehicle and trailer there, it’s $15 cash for the day.

The entrance to SouthWinds Marina will be roped off on the day of the event and they will only be accepting cash.

And, if you leave your vehicle at SouthWinds for more than 24 hours after the event, if will be towed at your expense.

The Aquapalooza Grand Lake concert is free; however, there will be a charge for the shuttle boat ride to the event. Provided by SouthWinds Marina, the shuttle boat rides will cost $5 cash per rider. All shuttle riders must purchase a $5 bracelet before getting on the boat. The bracelet is good for the entire day and may be purchased at SouthWinds Marina.

Life jackets are required for everyone riding on the shuttle boats, regardless of age. Only people wearing lifejackets will be able to get on the shuttle boat. This is for your safety.

You must bring your own lifejackets. We will not provide them.

No animals will be allowed on the shuttle boats or in the roped-off swim area.

The shuttle boat will only go to the swim area. If you ride the shuttle boat out, you are not allowed on the barge stage. You will get directly off the boat into the water.

And, remember, don’t bring items you don’t want to lose to the swim area. This includes keys, billfolds and cell phones. We are not divers and we will not try to rescue your things.

We do recommend you bring sunscreen, flotation devices and water. The shuttle boats run as they can but with more than 4,000 people who come to Aquapalooza Grand Lake by land, it does take time.

Swimming to land, which is several hundred feet away, is not a great idea. Be prepared to float in the water and wait. Just kick back, relax and have a good time.

And, watch for boats! This is an on-the-water event and there will be thousands of boats. Boats don’t have brakes. If you swim in front of one, they cannot stop and will run over you.

We also ask that you pick up after yourself and respect other people’s property. Don’t go into an RV or get on a boat that’s not your own, unless you have been invited to do so. And, leaving trash everywhere is not acceptable.

Getting the Party Started

Aquapalooza Grand Lake is free and open to all ages. The fun kicks off this year at 1 p.m. and continues until 5 p.m.

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.

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.

There also will be two food trucks set up at SouthWinds Marina. Whether you’re hungry for a barbecue sandwich or a tastefully twisted ice cream cone, the Blazin’ B’s BBQ and 8230 Enterprises/Worley’s Ice Cream food trucks will have a wide variety of options to satisfy anyone’s appetite.

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.  There will also be special promotion giveaways thrown from the stage.

A number of inflatables, like beach balls and mats will be provided in the swim area. However, it is suggested that swimmers bring their own inflatables and mats to know they’ll be comfortable.

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.