Rafts, raffles and a run: Here’s what to expect at the 2023 Raft

CLARK LAKE, MI – Decorated rafts, a 5K run and plenty of activities will once again hit Clark Lake for the 2023 Raft-O-Rama celebration.

Raft-O-Rama will float onto Clark Lake on Sunday, Aug. 6. Prior to that, people will take to the roads around the lake for the annual Clark Lake Run on Saturday, Aug. 6.

The 60-plus year tradition that’s Raft-O-Rama will feature the annual boat parade of fun raft designs crafted by participants, a chicken dinner and music, Jenna Chmielewski, Raft-O-Rama committee secretary, said.

“We just want everybody to have a good, safe fun time,” Chmielewski said.

Here is your guide to this year’s Clark Lake Run and Raft-O-Rama.

Clark Lake Run

Before the rafts hit the water, people can hit the streets for the 48th Clark Lake Run.

The 12K run, 5K run and walk and a kids fun run is planned for Aug. 5, with the adult races starting at 8:30 a.m. and the kids run beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the Beach Bar, 3505 Ocean Beach Road.

Registration is $30 for the adult races and $10 for the kids race. You can register online or at the Beach Bar from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday Aug. 4.

Awards and trophies go to the class winners, and Freedom Fireworks are also scheduled for that night.

Raft-O-Rama

The fun begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at Eagle Point Marina, 1155 Eagle Point Road, when participants place their rafts in the water. They rafts will then make a lap around Clark Lake starting at 10:30 a.m.

This year’s theme

The 2023 theme is “Houses.” Organizers expect to see some creative ideas and designs crafted from cardboard on people’s rafts.

Houses can be anything from a dog house to the White House, or a haunted house, a gingerbread house or whatever structure they can come up with, Chmielewski said.

Registration and cardboard

Registration takes place at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, at The Beach Bar, or the morning of the event at the judge’s raft, Chmielewski said.

There is no cost to enter a raft in the event.

Cardboard for raft decorating can be picked up at 96 Hyde Road. Organizers will be there from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, through Friday, Aug. 4, and 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.

Raft-O-Rama Awards

Judges will vote on rafts, and around 12 awards will be given out, including closest to the theme, most colorful, most original, attention to detail and the rookie award.

A People’s Choice Award will also be voted on by the participants, Chmielewski said.

The winners of each award will receive an engraved frame with a picture of their raft. Best overall winners for kids and adults receive a trophy cup they can hang onto until the next year.

The pick of People’s Choice will receive a special award that will be unveiled at the event.

Other activities

Live music from local rock band Big Nasty and a DJ starts at 11 a.m. Sunday at Eagle Point Marina. A raffle and silent auction will be also is available.

The Lions Club will be selling $10 chicken dinners, which include chicken, a roll, salad and corn. Kids inflatables will be on site at the marina as well.

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