FAQs

WHERE DO WE PARK?

PLEASE PARK WHEREVER YOU FIND LEGAL SPACE TO PARK.

The streets to remember for parking: KING, LINCOLN, PRINCE CHARLES and BROADWAY. You can park on either side of these streets.

Due to limited space at the event, assisted parking is not available. If you require assistance, you can get dropped off at the entrance and a volunteer will be there to help you.

Please note: FLOATFEST WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO VEHICLES, PARKING TICKETS, TOWING OR ANYTHING RELATED TO PARKING YOUR VEHICLE.

WHEN / WHERE DO WE INFLATE?

WE WILL HAVE AN INDUSTRIAL SIZED INFLATION STATION ON SITE TO ASSIST YOU WITH INFLATING YOUR CRAFTS. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEEDING THE INFLATABLE WEIGHT MAXIMUM.

This event is for inflatables only. No canoes, kayaks, paddle boards or man-made floatation devices will be allowed into the designated park area or area of the canal for this festival.

Canadian Tire Welland has an amazing assortment of inflatables of all kinds available for purchase leading up to the event.

Thank you to Canadian Tire Welland for being the founding sponsor of the Canadian Tire Welland Floatfest. Be sure to support Canadian Tire Welland when looking for flotation devices, their support helps us keep this amazing event FREE!

IS THERE FIRST AID AND SECURITY??

St. Johns Ambulance will be on site the entire event. In the case of illness or injury, you will go to the St Johns Ambulance Tent shown on the map. They are located at the bottom of the hill, next to the docks.

There will be a strong security presence in the park.

Waivers must be signed to enter the water portion of this event and participants – Once signed and registered you will receive a wristband. For those that could not print a waiver, we will have extra waivers at the registration desk. We ask that you keep that wristband on for the duration of the event.

Safety boats in emergency situation will have the right of way. If you hear a horn please accommodate them without endangering yourselves. If you hear a whistle, know that security is trying to get someones attention.

Please do your best to yield to the safety boat in these cases. No whistles, horns or noise makers of any kind allowed in the floaties for safety reasons.

Children under 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent and MUST wear a life jacket. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS. Anyone ages 16 – 18 MUST have the waiver signed by a parent and leave the parents phone number with the lead of registration.

No anchor lines or tow ropes permitted in designated floating area for safety reasons. No splashing, jumping or disruptive behavior that could endanger another floater will be allowed.

HOW DO WE LAUNCH?

Registration will take place between 10 am – 12 pm. We have full intentions to start the launch from the Lincoln Street Docks at 12 pm or close to that time. We will enter the water in a safe way. Instructions will be given at that time by our MC for the day, Steve Szabo.

The floating caravan will go from Lincoln Street Docks to the Lincoln Street Bridge. There are 4 exit points before you reach the final floating exit area. You will see the exit signs on both sides of the canal. We stress, for your own safety, only exit at the designated areas.

We recommend you have water shoes or sandals with you as you will be walking back from any of those designated exit areas. Maximum 15 minute walk if you choose the longest exit point.

All floaties must be out of the canal by 7 pm. We will begin clearing the water between 6 pm – 7 pm. Security will need time before 7:30 pm to ensure waterway is clear and clean.

Latecomers are welcome.

WHAT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?

We ask everyone to respect our beautiful recreational waterway by using the many garbage receptacles and recycling bins throughout the park and at every exit location.

Let’s leave our canal and our park the way we found it, beautiful and clean!

Absolutely no glass or styrofoam will be permitted in the park.

Portable Bathrooms will be located just past the vendor area.

WHAT SHOULD WE BRING?

For comfort: Sunglasses, Hat, water shoes or sandals, sunscreen, money for food & vendors, towel, life jacket for your children, blanket or chairs, change of warm clothes (keep in mind we don’t have a change area so be prepared to layer your clothing)

IDENTIFICATION. If you are asked for ID you need to be able to produce it.

* FLOATFEST WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGED OR STOLEN ITEMS.

WATER BOTTLE. Free water is provided by Niagara Region’s Water Wagon! Remember to stay hydrated when on the water.

DEBIT CARD. We will have an ATM available on site for your convenience.

WHAT SHOULD WE LEAVE AT HOME?

ALCOHOL AND CANNABIS. This is a Family Event and there will be NO ALCOHOL OR CANNABIS allowed in the park or on/in the water. The security personnel will strongly enforce this. Anyone perceived to be intoxicated will be asked politely to leave the event. All bags will be checked at the entrance to the park. If you have alcohol or cannabis, you will have the option to return it to your car or throw it out. This is an alcohol and drug free event.

NON SERVICE PETS. Only SERVICE PETS will be allowed at this event.

DRONES. Due to safety reasons, there will be NO AERIAL VEHICLES ALLOWED at this event.