Want to go?
WHAT: Sandusky Bay Barge Party
WHEN: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, June 30 and Saturday, July 28
WHERE: Sandusky Bay Sandbar, south of Bay Point Marina and Resort and east of Johnson’s Island
COST: Free, but donations are strongly encouraged
INFO: sanduskybaybargeparty.com
Party animals will have a chance to attend the wildest party on Lake Erie — and in true lake fashion, the event is only accessible by boat.
The Sandusky Bay Barge Party LLC will once again be hosting their annual Sandusky Bay Barge Party from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 and Saturday, July 28 at the Sandusky Bay Sandbar.
The annual event, now in its sixth year, attracts people of all ages that want to listen to some live music, drink some cool beverages and let loose for some fun in the sun.
“We push a small barge out onto the sandbar, put carpet on it and let a band perform live,” said Shaun Bickley, owner of the Sandusky Barge Party LLC. “We also put 2 stripper poles on the barge and a dance area, so people can come up and dance on the barge and have fun.”
[READ NOW:
Our exclusive list of Barge Party DO's and DON'T's]
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the event is that fact that it is on the largest sandbar in Sandusky Bay and is only accessible by boat, making it the most exclusive party of the year.
“It is very unique because you have to get there by boat,” Bickley said. “Any day of the week you can get in your car and drive to the local pub, but every day you can’t get in your boat and go to a party on a sandbar.”
With between 5,000 and 6,000 people attending the event, more than 1,200 boats line the sandbar’s shallow waters during each party.
“People come from all over the country to attend this event,” Bickley said. “We get people from close states like Michigan and Kentucky to people from far away places like Florida and Colorado. This year we will be giving away a $200 prize to the person that travels the farthest to attend the party.”
The party also will be giving away prizes for their always-popular bikini contest. Obviously a guy favorite, the contest offers something for the ladies, too. The winner of the contest will reach a $200 cash prize and the second place winner will receive $50 cash prize.
“It is going to be a really great party this year,” Bickley said. “The alternative band Whisky Dick will be performing and it is just going to be a blast.”
However, as much fun as the party is, it is not cheap. The party is made possible through generous community donations.
“We operate off of donations and sponsorships,” Bickley said. “Having a party of this size is not cheap, so we really appreciate the community support.”
For more information on the Sandusky Barge Party or to donate to the event, visit
sanduskybaybargeparty.com.
See past Barge Party photo galleries
HERE and
HERE.
Watch VIDEO of the 2010 Barge Party below:
Comments
Other don'ts:
1. Don't barf in the bay, if you can't hold your beer don't go to the party.
2. Do not pee in the bay, it's already polluted and doesn't need additional toxins and for goodness sake, don't do a number two!! Floaters are gross.
3. Don't go if you are a member of the dicky do club, in other words, your beer gut sticks out further than your dicky do. The girls do not go for beer gut slobs, they want the flat bellies.
Wow. People are stupid! Water and alcohol?? Didn't they just say that drinking and operating a boat is illegal so now they're gonna have a party with alcohol in the water? Hope someone stays sober to save the drunks.
It's just like Bike Week! It's great for the people who enjoy it and a great boost for the city economy! If you don't like, don't go! Everyone likes something different. Obviously, A WHOLE BUNCH of people enjoy the Barge Party. There are always so many nasayers on here. Have a sober captain and enjoy. Believe it or not, it's America. We are all allowed to enjoy different events. Rock on Barge Party