Make a splash and join in on the fun at the Floatilla

Grab the kayak or canoe, and get ready for some fun on the water (and land), for the annual Cornell Floatilla, beginning at Mill Yard Park. Started in 2018, by the Cornell Area Betterment Association (CABA), the event drew in people from around the area and over time, beyond, even setting the world record for a time, as the largest floatilla (a number of crafts, floating in one spot).

Now, Moonridge Brewing Company has taken the reins from CABA and is working to make it their own, raising money for improvements at Mill Yard Park, but also, for The Fallen Outdoors (TFO).

TFO works to get veterans outdoors for the first time or get them back in the outdoors, after they’ve been in active duty.

“Because, it’s a theraputic thing for us,” said Andrew Clement, Floatilla coordinator. “It helps us heal.”

The mission of TFO is important to Clement, as one of his best friends he was enlisted with, began the organization, that has since grown nationwide, with chapters in almost every state, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, to help veterans.

“It’s a really cool group, we’re excited to be part of that,” said Clement.

The event begins at 8 a.m., at the Mill Yard Park, Saturday, July 12, where participants will enter the water with their crafts, paddle to and around Brunet Island State Park, then head back to Mill Yard. A Tom Petty tribute band plays, from 1-3 p.m., while another brewery is joining Moonridge for beer on tap, as well as the Wisconsin Veteran Farm & Winery, keeping the cool beverages flowing.

There’s also catering from a place in Osseo, along with a cornhole tournament and, of course, some fantastic prizes. Clement has seen prize donations come in for the event, from as far away as South Dakota. He’s also hoping for a huge crowd to come take part in the fun.

“I’m hoping to have a good turnout this year, have something we can continue to build upon for the future,” said Clement.