Air photo: Andrew Lajdziak
The voting is in from both the judges and for the Peoples Choice award.
The Peoples Choice award winner is Aloha Nana
Raft-O-Rama selects judges for their independence. The judges have ruled and here are the winners.
Best Overall, adults 18 and up–State of Confusion (11)
Remarkably, the State of Confusion raft navigated the entire circumference of the lake in reverse!
Best Overall, kids 17 and under–Happy Is Our State of Mind (16)
The Best Overall Youth award is now called the R. Tucker Boyers Cup.
Most Enthusiastic–Las Vegas, Nevada (10)
Most original–State of Inebriation (15)
Funniest–Hawaiian Manor (3)
The Hawaiian Manor group won Raft-O-Rama in 1965 and have not had an entry since then. They decided to change that this year, and won the “funniest” category.
Closest to Theme–Wisconsin Cheese (1)
Most Colorful–United States (1)
Best Special Effects–Aloha Nana (12)
Furthest from Theme–State of Emergency (13)
Rookie Award–California Sharks (4)
Costumes Only–Ohio (9)
Most Attention to Detail–The Main Event (2)
MORE ENTRIES
Welcome to Florida (5)
Wyoming (6)
Alaskan Dog Sled (7)
Yes, that is Sarah Palin riding along.
Michigan (8)
Two winning raft entries honored the memory of Angela Ligibel, who passed away July 30th. Angela was important not only to family and friends, but the Clark Lake community at large. She was an avid fan of Raft-O-Rama and participated in it for many years. Angela was known as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and thus the raft entry “Aloha Nana.” Her nickname was “Birdie” in Raft-O-Rama circles, and you can see that recognized on the Confusion raft.
Many of Angela’s family were present at the awards ceremony. Afterwards they posed for this photo.
Evelyn Menard, winner of last year’s Mary Reynolds Spirit of Clark, congratulates this year’s winner–Bill Bendele, Jr. Evelyn’s love of fireworks has been her family’s inspiration to present magnificent displays at the east end on the Fourth of July since 2000. Bill has been involved in many of the building and infrastructure projects around the lake. The award was presented by Joey Reynolds.
And finally an airborne photo of Eagle Point where lots of today’s activity took place, courtesy of Andrew Lajdziak.
I have to say one of the best RORs that I can recall. Fun times, creative rafts, beautiful weather and awesome party. Our hard-working committee works almost 8 months out to insure this event will be around in years to come. Consider joining us in the planning of the 57th ROR, Aug. 6, 2017! Thanks to all who entered or contributed in one way or another.