Marine
AquaPalooza® 2008 Turns All Eyes to the Midwest
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – June 24, 2008 – The boating world is once again abuzz about Sea Ray’s AquaPalooza, the annual multi-location marine extravaganza that will celebrate three years of unmatched on-water excellence and excitement this summer. Midwestern revelers are especially stoked this year because the Signature Event, the marquee party of AquaPalooza, will be held from July 18 to 20 in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. Hosted by MarineMax Lake Ozark, MarineMax Osage Beach and MarineMax Laurie, this heartland jam will feature food, drinks, music, games, giveaways and much more.
“Our team is committed to providing the most exciting, energetic and just plain fun boating event the world has ever seen,” said Ross Tefft, district manager of MarineMax Missouri. “We’ve expanded the official Sea Ray national event to span three days for 2008, so it promises to be bigger and better than ever.” Popular recording artists Soul Asylum, Everclear, and Cracker will shake things up as they perform live from Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill and The Horny Toad in Lake Ozark. Other special events include dancing under the stars and an on-water photo scavenger hunt.
For those who cannot make it to Lake of the Ozarks, Sea Ray dealerships around the world will transform 150 additional locations into official AquaPalooza party sites, making it easy for boaters to get to and enjoy the action. Most of the events will take place during the last two weekends in July, but other events are planned before and after these dates. “Our dealers do an outstanding job of coordinating the AquaPalooza events in their areas,” said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray.
Last year, AquaPalooza attracted more than 10,000 boats and 30,000 guests to 120 events worldwide — a 42 percent increase from the inaugural event in 2006. “We’re creating quite a stir in the industry with AquaPalooza. It’s incredible that so many people show up in so many places at the same time,” said Rick Stone, president of Sea Ray. “The event is Sea Ray inspired, but really it’s all-inclusive, and everyone is welcome. It’s a testament to the boating lifestyle. And no other boat company can replicate AquaPalooza because we invite everyone. It will always be open, but always associated with Sea Ray.”
Noyes also credited Sea Ray’s boating partners for the unparalleled success of the annual festival. “Our sponsors and dealers are key components in making the AquaPalooza weekends the memorable events we want them to be,” he said. This year’s supporting companies include Mercury MerCruiser®, GMC®, Sony®, Raymarine®, Sebago®, NBOA® Marine Insurance, EZ Dock®, Land Resource Companies and Boating Magazine.
“AquaPalooza is about boating, great tunes, fun and togetherness with family and friends,” added Noyes. “Whether folks are new to boating or seasoned veterans, this event is for all people who love life on the water. No one throws a party like Sea Ray.”
Don’t miss out on the most anticipated on-water boating bash of the summer. For a listing of events, visit www.aquapalooza.com or call 866-SRBOATS. Register online, participate in an event near you and get a free T-shirt!
ABOUT SEA RAY
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats.
Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 60 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.
For additional information, contact:
Chris Helton
Marketing Manager
Sea Ray Boats
2600 Sea Ray Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37914
Phone (865) 522-4181 / Fax (865) 971-6444
chelton@searay.com
