Parker Tube Float is set for August

The annual Parker Tube Float, normally held in June, is set for August 1st, 2020.

“This Float’s For You” is the theme this year for an event that has happened every year since 1977, typically drawing thousands of people floating together down the Parker Strip. The new director of the Chamber of Commerce, Melissa Newton, says it’s been a challenge to plan it this year.

“We had a tough decision before us at the end of April and realized that due to current conditions with executive orders and COVID-19, that we needed to move back the date of the Tube Float from June,” she told Parker Live. “We believe in the event and really wanted to offer it in 2020 as it is a fundraiser that helps fund the Chamber and the Visitor’s Center in Parker all year long, but we also needed to take into consideration our community’s health and the health of the participants.”

Newton said that the Chamber decided on August in hopes that it would give them enough time to hold the event within the ever-changing guidelines. She said attendance may be affected by the global situation and the date change, but that the higher temperatures in August may be a good thing for the event.

“The route for the 43rd Annual Tube Float will be the same as it has been the last couple years,” she said. “Registration and parking will be at La Paz County Park, participants and their deflated tubes will be bused to Buckskin State Park. We will have air compressors available at the starting line for use and then the floaters can set off on a nice, cool float down the Colorado River ending at an After Party hosted by Pirate’s Den.”

The Chamber has partnered with Fluzzle Tubes for this year’s event, a brand of tube with sections that connect together, so that people can form a larger network of tubes as they float. Participants can order a tube before the event and arrive with it aired up and ready to go, making the morning one step easier.

As always, plenty of water, sunscreen and a secure place for personal belongings are a must.

“It takes an army of people to make each event successful, so if you are looking for ways that you can volunteer or sponsor, please contact us at the Chamber or at ParkerFun.com,” Newton told us. Online registration is live at the same website.

The first 300 people to pre-register for the event will receive a goodie bag and limited edition Parker Tube Float tank top.