Canoe Carnival 2023
Canoe Carnival 2023 will be held on Saturday, August 5th.
Since 1931, Canoe Carnival has been held during the first week of every August on Lower Aetna Lake. Now it is routinely celebrated on the first Saturday of August. Each year float groups compete for the prizes in various divisions, as well as for grand prize. As Medford Lakes' main annual event, the Canoe Carnival week-long celebrations kick off with the Miss and Mr. Medford Lakes Pageant, the Canoe Carnival Ball and Mardi Gras Night. With a parade of elaborately hand-built floats supported on one or two canoes, it is a spectacle unlike any other!
Miss and Mr. Medford Lakes Pageant
Every July, your favorite 15-18 year old colonists vie for the honor to be crowned the King and Queen of Canoe Carnival! Candidates traditionally litter the town with signs, banners and pamphlets leading up to the election. The Miss and Mr. Medford Lakes Pageant is typically held at Beach 3 roughly two weeks prior to Canoe Carnival but can be held at Neeta School if the weather is inclement. Please keep an eye out on the Colony News to find out how to vote during the month of July. Every Colony member is entitled to one vote.
Canoe Carnival Ball
Kick off a fun-filled Canoe Carnival week by attending the Canoe Carnival Ball at Medford Lakes Country Club. The Canoe Carnival Ball/Dance Party will be on -------- 8:00 PM to Midnight at the Country Club! A spirit award will be given on the awards night to the best represented float group at the ball. This year we will be having a DJ. Tickets are $30 per person (if purchased ahead of time $50 for 2 tickets). Tickets are available at the Colony office beginning Monday, July 18.
Mardi Gras Night
The night before Canoe Carnival grab your canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and paddle boats! All Lakers are welcome to float on Lower Aetna and get a sneak peak of what each float group has been working on all summer. Lakefront houses are decorated to the nines with lights! Local bands are also hanging on the lake playing some great music!
Canoe Carnival
On the night of the big event find your spot around Lower Aetna Lake to view the big event! Tickets for bleachers seats on Aetna Way can be purchased in the Colony Office prior to Canoe Carnival. Colonists are welcome to set up their own chairs on the beach surrounding the bleachers starting at 4:00 pm on August 5th, the afternoon of Canoe Carnival. Details regarding road closures and traffic details can be found here, as well as on the Medford Lakes Police website. Additional details can be found in the Colony News leading up to the event. Be sure to arrive early to claim your seat and park nearby! Canoe Carnival kicks off at dusk, weather permitting.
Canoe Carnival Tickets for the Beach
The 2022 Canoe Carnival (CC) is scheduled for --------. Tickets will be on sale beginning Monday, July 18! Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets at the beaches the night of the Carnival beginning at 7 p.m. if there is space available. All ticket prices increase by $1/ticket the night of the Carnival. For a donation of $8.00, you can get a reserved bleacher seat on Aetna Way. There will not be any bleachers on the beach. For a donation of $4.00, you can bring your chair (overall height limit 32”) for seating on Beach 1. No Standing Room Only.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU CAN PUT YOUR CHAIRS ON THE BEACH ON CC DAY (August 5) ANY TIME AFTER 4:00 p.m. NO EARLIER! Any chairs on the beach before 4pm will be removed and placed along the fence. You will be required to wait in line before entering the beach, and chairs alone cannot hold a spot in line. No chairs allowed with an overall height exceeding 32”. If anyone needs a higher seat, there will be room at the back of the beach for your chair. ALSO, CHAIRS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED CLOSER TO THE WATER THAN 3 FEET. THIS SET-UP IS AT THE REQUEST OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT/ EMERGENCY SERVICES AND CANOE CARNIVAL.
Canoe Carnival Awards Ceremony
The Canoe Carnival Awards Ceremony will be Sunday, August 6th at 5:00PM. The awards ceremony will take place at Beach 1. The results will not be posted on the door the night of Canoe Carnival; instead, a text will be sent to the float captains.
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