LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Those looking for a unique summer evening will have the chance to take to the water under a glow of colorful lights when Be The Change hosts a free Glow Float at Twin Lakes Park on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The event, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., will launch from the East Lake boat ramp at Twin Lakes in Paris. The event is being presented by Be The Change in coordination with the Paris Park Board.
“We're excited to be partnering with the community that brings viable ideas and things that we can execute on,” Park Board President Kelly Toon said. “We always welcome collaboration. We’re a small team supporting many people.”
Anyone with ideas for future events may reach out to the Park Board via email at parisparks@parisillinois.org.
Phil Stapp of Be The Change said the idea was inspired by glow float events previously organized by the Friends of Lincoln Trails at Lincoln Trail State Park.
Stapp said about 65 people participated in one of those events, and a large portion of those attendees indicated they would be interested in attending another glow float at a different location.
“We have some great lakes that rarely get taken advantage of,” Stapp said.
While the event poster refers to a “Glow Kayak Night,” Stapp said participants are welcome to bring more than just kayaks. Any non-motorized watercraft, including canoes and paddleboards, can participate.
Participants must provide their own watercraft and are required to wear life jackets. Everyone taking part will also be required to sign a liability waiver and sign in and out so organizers can ensure everyone has safely returned from the water.
Stapp said participants are encouraged to decorate their kayaks, canoes or paddleboards with lights and other decorations to create the glowing effect on the lake.
He and fellow organizer Katrisha Stapp plan to decorate their own watercraft so they can be easily identified on the water if anyone needs assistance.
Organizers also plan to provide participants with small metal whistle keychains, similar to those distributed at the Friends of Lincoln Trails events, as an additional way for people on the water to attract attention if needed.
The planned route will begin at the east boat ramp, travel past the beach and continue toward the area of the Old Glass Shop before heading toward the bridge and circling back.
Those who do not have a boat are still encouraged to attend and watch from the shoreline. Stapp said there should be plenty of opportunities for spectators to enjoy the event from land.
Entry is free, although free-will donations will be accepted for Doorway to Hope, a local organization working to establish Edgar County’s first adult homeless shelter.
“Let’s just go have fun,” Stapp said.
The East Lake boat ramp was selected in part because it has more parking than the other boat ramps at Twin Lakes. Organizers also plan to utilize parking near the beach, but Stapp is encouraging participants to carpool when possible.
The Paris Park Board has been working with Be The Change on the event, with Stapp saying city officials have been supportive of the idea and helped him navigate the requirements involved in organizing the gathering.
Stapp said he hopes the Paris event will continue the community atmosphere he saw at the Lincoln Trail glow float, where participants helped one another after a storm moved through during the event.
Although the rain forced participants at that event to cut the float short, Stapp said the experience demonstrated the willingness of people to help each other.
“It was really cool to see so many people selflessly help one another in the pouring rain,” he said.
With the Twin Lakes event being free and open to spectators, Stapp hopes the Aug. 15 gathering will provide a unique summer evening for families and friends while bringing more attention to one of Paris’ recreational resources.