THOUSANDS of locals are expected to flock to the lake shores next Friday and Saturday night for the annual Float Your Boat parade.
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A flotilla of illuminated vessels will take part in a 5pm launch event at Marmong Point Marina, before setting sail at 6pm on Friday, June 28.
From there, the flotilla will skirt the western edge of the lake, passing Toronto and Coal Point on their way to Wangi Wangi.
The best vantage spots for Friday's parade include Marmong Point, Toronto, Bolton Point Park, Coal Point, Rathmines and Wangi Wangi.
A foreshore live site at Toronto from 5.30pm to 8.30pm will feature live music, food stalls, and entertainment including performances from Circus Avalon.
The parade will cruise the eastern side of the lake on Saturday night, June 29.
The Saturday parade will set sail at 6pm from Marmong Point Marina, heading north towards Booragul before crossing the lake and skirting its eastern edge from Warners Bay to Belmont.
The best Saturday vantage points will include the Red Bluff walkway, Warners Bay and Belmont.
The Warners Bay live site on Saturday will begin at 10am with market stalls and entertainment.
From 5.30pm, enjoy live music, an LED hula-hoop and fire show, gourmet food and specialty stalls.
The parade will see owners of boats big and small cover their decks, masts and everything else above water with LED lights and shining sculptures.
Mayor Kay Fraser said Lake Macquarie was the perfect stage to host a unique and creative festival of lights.
"Thousands of spectators lined the shore of our beautiful lake last year to see boats in a rainbow of colour motor past or to join in the fun at our live sites," Cr Fraser said.
"This year, spectators can experience the magic of Float Your Boat in their own way, whether it be at one of the live sites at Warners Bay or Toronto, their own viewing location of choice along the foreshore or, for the first time, on a dinner cruise on the lake with Lake Macquarie Cruises."
Lake Macquarie Cruises is offering a two-hour dinner cruise on both nights, departing from Booragul Public Wharf at 6pm.
Contact Lake Macquarie Cruises to book your tickets.
Cash prizes are up for grabs for best-dressed boats, including a $2000 People's Choice Award, a $1000 Mayor's Best Boat Award for vessels 10m and longer, and a $1000 Mayor's Best Boat Award for vessels 5m and longer.
Float Your Boat is sponsored by Marmong Point Marina, Belmont 16s and the Brighton Apartments.
