tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2863475320537027114.post-63846428731910862062007-05-07T11:52:00.000-05:002007-05-07T14:39:55.172-05:00The Flotilla is an Ottawa tradition that has been taking place for over 50 years and this year the tradition will continue with a new name - OTTAWA FLOTILLA. <br /> <br />This year we celebrate the history of the Rideau Canal and its 175th birthday and so the theme of the OTTAWA FLOTILLA - 2007 will be <strong>The World Salutes the Rideau Canal.</strong> <br /><br />The Ottawa Flotilla is an annual parade of decorated boats that cruises from Dows Lake and along the Rideau Canal to downtown Ottawa. Held on the May long weekend, participants entertain visitors and residents of Canada's Capital Region in celebration of the arrival of spring.<br /> You can expect to join all types and sizes of boats spectacularly transformed with lights, flowers, props, music and dancing. On May 20th thousands of people will line the banks to watch the boats entertain spectators, judges and participants alike as they parade down the Rideau Canal from Dows Lake to the heart of the city, at the Ottawa Locks. The Ottawa Flotilla Organizing Committee believes that the annual Flotilla is an integral part of community spirit in the National Capital Region and we are dedicated to the continuation of this Ottawa tradition.<br /> All boats are warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate in the weekend activities. Cruisers, houseboats, antique and classic vessels, as well as the manual "Armstrong" kayaks, dragon boats and even rowboats are eligible to enter.<br /> Dockage at Dows Lake Marina is free during this weekend and the boat ramp is available for launches.<br /><br /><center><strong>Kick off your boating season in a way you will always remember!</strong></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>OTTAWA FLOTILLA </strong><br /> The parade on water (Sunday, May 20th 2007) will be back. The Flotilla will set sail from Dows Lake at 1:00 PM. Decorated boats of all types and sizes travel the 8km route between Dows Lake and the Ottawa Locks. <br /><br /><strong>Parade of Lights</strong> <br /> Dows Lake is transformed into a shimmering sea of lights as darkness falls on Saturday May 19th, 2007. This night time flotilla will cast off at approximately 9:00 PM Participants are encouraged to cover their boats with various lighting schemes, and animate with music and entertainment. This perennial crowd favourite will climax with a fireworks display.<br /><br /><strong>How do I participate?</strong><br /> There are a number of ways to participate in the Ottawa Flotilla and Parade of Lights. Boaters can decorate their boats with the help of family and friends, team up with a sponsor or co-operate with a non-profit organization to create a spectacular entry. Boaters who wish to take part in this unique event can also offer to captain their boats for an organization whose members are eager to participate and happy to decorate.<br /><br />Please contact info@ottawaflotilla.ca for assistance in finding a boat or an organisation willing to decorate.<br /><br /><center><strong>Register:</strong><br /><br /><br />On line at: <br />info@ottawaflotilla.ca<br /><br /><br />By fax to: <br />613-739-3429 or 613-739-7440<br /><br /><br />By mail to:<br />Ottawa Flotilla 2007 Registration<br /> 2186-A Thurston Drive<br /> Ottawa, Onatario K1G 6E1 </center>Brook Dunninghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16397066604711216644noreply@blogger.com2