Big waves for Johnson Lake's parade

Post date: Jul 04, 2009 9:11:7 PM

By MIKE KONZ , Hub Managing Editor, Kearney HUB on line at: http://www.kearneyhub.com

JOHNSON LAKE — Boats and crews festooned with balloons, bunting and other Fourth of July decorations will parade around Johnson Lake Saturday.

“Some of the boats will have balloons and flags. Some of the people on board will be decorated. It’s really turning out to be a great parade,” said Duane Kuhnel of Kearney, boat parade chairman for the Johnson Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The parade is among July 4 traditions at Johnson Lake, Kuhnel said.

This year, his aim is to reduce the time needed to register and participate in the parade. As usual, businesses have donated a boatload of prizes for drawings. The chamber will hand out six awards.

Kuhnel anticipates about 50 boats will participate. After registration at Lakeshore Marina from 10 to 11 a.m., boats will parade clockwise beginning at the northwest corner of Johnson Lake.

Boats will proceed along the east shoreline until they reach the outlet canal and turn west for Mallard Cove, then turn north along the west shore for the final leg back to the starting point.

Kuhnel said the parade will be completed by noon.

Chris Amundson of Norfolk, publisher of Nebraska Life magazine, is the celebrity judge.

Also judging are Kent Schroeder of Kearney and Chuck Olsen of Johnson Lake.

More information about the parade is available from Kuhnel at 440-7281 or from chamber President Karen Finken at 308-785-3804.

In case of bad weather, the parade will be postponed until Sunday.

FOLLOWING ARE SOME LOCAL PICTURES FROM TODAY'S BOAT PARADE: