Well… that was great fun! As always, the much anticipated Floatchella event was a smashing success and stupid fun time. We raised $3,635, consumed a lot of rum punches, and shared a load of laughs. Miraculously, no one was lost at sea and the only causalities was a cell phone, some sandals and sunglasses. We couldn’t have asked for better weather; it was hot and the sea was flat- perfect floating conditions! As usual, our awesome community came together to support and make the event possible. We couldn’t do it without our fantastic stops that welcome a rowdy bunch of revelers and ply them with free rum punch: Buba Wuba, the OtherSide, Paradise Resort, Placencia Yacht Club, Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot Beach Bar. We also couldn’t float without our volunteer boats and captains who have the distinct pleasure of proverbially herding cats… drunk cats…in water. It is no small task and they do it at their own expense- how great is that? Much gratitude to Kenton and Kory of Gecko Properties who put in 2 boats, as well as Jeff Rich, Aden Wallen (who has to be the youngest captain in Floatchella history but he did awesome), and Shannon and Chris Duffit.
This is one of our flagship fundraising events and probably the Peninsula Volunteer Fire Department’s most successful and consistent revenue generator. The PVFD supports the National Fire Service’s department here on the peninsula with crucial auxiliary funding (and I do mean crucial! we assist to supplement the pitifully small stipend that National allots so that our department always has the necessary equipment and fuel to respond to emergencies) as well as saving up for equipment that would otherwise be unattainable for this department. Right now, in addition to ongoing operational budget support, the PVFD is saving up for 2 major acquisitions. Our firefighters have identified that their greatest needs now are a 4×4 vehicle that can get down these small sandy lanes or along the beach where the trucks can not reach (I love Placencia but city planning isn’t our strong suit and now everyone is building these concrete fences- it’s really a concern that there are many properties that the Fire Engines can’t get to) and a proper portable water cannon. There are no fire hydrants here and we have the trash pumps that we use by throwing a line in to the sea or lagoon or a neighbor’s pool or whatever but they’re not great; they really aren’t designed to fight fires, the PSI isn’t enough or something and they’re constantly breaking probably because of the salt water. So 2 really big asks- that’s the goal! It will take a lot more fundraising but this community is so generous, I know we can do it eventually.
Without further ado….Here are a bunch of photos from the day.
Starting at Buba Wuba
Over to The Other Side!
and on to Paradise Resort
then across to Placencia Yacht Club on Placencia Caye
Finishing up at Barefoot Beach Bar and Tipsy Tuna!
We were able to float all the way over this time too because the ocean was nice and flat. Last year it was rough along the sea front and we just had to boat to the finish but it was so much fun to get towed in to the finale. Barefoot even decorated with floaties for us- it was so cute! Of course, I don’t have any photos of this because at that point I was several drinks in and focused on rounding up all our ropes, floats, and miscellaneous belongs but JUST PICTURE IT! 5 boats towing dozens of rum soaked party people up to the beach’s most iconic bars. That’s how we do Sunday Funday here in Placencia!
Here are some older posts about past events:
About Author
