Submitted by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Van Buren, Missouri - While themes are not necessary for a successful float trip, they can add another dimension to the fun. Here are some great ideas for themes for float trips.
Dressing up or dressing down to match your theme is a common practice. For a luau themed float trip, flower leis, grass skirts, coconut bras, and Hawaiian shirts are clearly the correct uniform.
A 4th of July float calls for red, white, and blue attire. Taking the theme a step further, red wine, white lightning, and Pabst Blue Ribbon are the perfect color coordinated drinks. Don’t be surprised if Santa floats past you in a "Christmas in July" themed event.
Bachelorette floats are becoming more common as the ladies take to the rivers in order to celebrate upcoming nuptials. The bride-to-be is a veil-wearing rafter and that little tuft of tulle is her badge of honor for the day.
For Dad's big birthday bash, he may never lift a paddle, but find himself in a tube towed behind a canoe manned by his loving family. Let them do the work while he relaxes, nurses a beer, and does a little fishing.
Sometimes, the theme is simply a color. For example: green. On this float everyone wears green, drinks green, and eats green. An emerald bikini, lime jell-o shots, and pickles meet the requirements of this event. Of course the floaters may be green themselves after that menu.
There are two themes many have yet to see.
The first is a Zombie themed float trip. A canoe-full of brain-eating undead would be a sight to see and one you would never forget. A menu for this trip could be Bloody Marys as the drink of choice with a rack of ribs for the entrée, and ladyfingers for dessert. With the increased popularity of TV shows like The Walking Dead and zombie related activities such as Zombie Dashes and Zombie weddings, the floating dead cannot be far behind.
The second theme yet to be seen this year is Duck Dynasty. Yes, it’s time for the “Beards” to hit the water. Uncle Sy in cut-offs is worthy of a 21 duck call salute in itself, but putting him in a canoe creates a special kind of chaos. Something anyone would enjoy witnessing from a safe distance.
When planning your annual float trip this year, give some thought to the possibility of a theme. What fun you will have!
