Serina Burkhart of Indianapolis became the Statue of Liberty for a day, Saturday, on Lake Freeman.
Members of her family decked out a pontoon boat in patriotic colors, including several American flags. "Thank you veterans" was written on the side of the boat.
Members of her family decked out a pontoon boat in patriotic colors, including several American flags. "Thank you veterans" was written on the side of the boat.
Burkhart's entry was one of dozens in the sixth annual Honor Our Veterans Patriotic Boat Parade and Celebration in the Park in Monticello.
"I've been the Statue of Liberty three years now," she said. "It's a national symbol of freedom and represents America."
The annual event includes the boat parade, flyovers by military planes, skydiving, food and fun in the nearby Monticello City Park.
Although this year's festivities featured a flyover by a B-17 reproduction Flying Fortress, the boat parade always is the main attraction.
"It's the atmosphere," Burkhart said. "It's a lot of fun; I get to be with my family, and we get to see a lot of really original and neat boats."
According to Joe Crivello, one of the event's organizers, between 50 and 60 boats took part this year. "That's a record."
Some boats were decked out in red, white and blue. Others had themes, such as a boat including Wonder Woman and Captain America.
There was even a pirate ship theme, including Capt. Jack Sparrow a.k.a. Roy Molter of Lafayette. "Last year a buddy of mine invited me to be in the parade with him," Molter said. "We've gone with a pirate theme ever since."
The Madam Carroll riverboat led the parade, which started at the Oakdale Dam and wound its way north along Lake Freeman to U.S. 421, ending at the Sportsman Inn restaurant.
Read more at http://www.jconline.com/article/20100704/NEWS/7040355
