WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT. The annual FATFAR event will be back on June 19 this year.

Grab your tubes, floaties, canoes, or doors – maybe something larger than a door, I hear they only fit one person – and come on down to the 46th Frenchtown Annual Tube Float and Regatta (better known as FATFAR) on Sunday, June 19. 

People from across the Valley take part in FATFAR to bask in the sunlight while drifting down the Chippewa River. People start showing up around 10:30 or 11am (get there early if you want to rent a tube from Loopy’s Grill & Saloon). This year's theme is totally groovy – so bring on your best 70's themed floats and costumes (try to find waterproof ones).

You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the float after about two hours when you hit Lake Hallie's Sportsman's Club and River Jams, where live music, entertainment, and plenty of food and drinks will be waiting to complete this fun-filled day. Loopy's Grill is at about the halfway mark if you want to join the festivities early.

Please remember to clean up after yourself and not bring any glass or styrofoam with you into the river. Wear life jackets if you aren’t a strong swimmer or if you’re planning to drink. There may not be any icebergs at this event, but there will be police, so please drink responsibly.

When you’re done with festivities at Loopy’s, River Jams, and Sportsmans, there is a shuttle for only $5 to get you back to your car – or your Uber.

This year, Sportsmans's Club and River jams are also giving out prizes for those who rock the 70's theme the best – raft and costume wise. The prize categories for the raft are Most Original 70's Theme, Most Farout, and Appears Most Likely to Sink. The categories for the costumes are Best 70's Themed, Best Retro Swimsuit, and Most Original 70's Hairdo. Cowabunga dude!

To learn more about the FATFAR, you can go to 723loop.com/fatfar.