Consider last weekend’s boat show just a teaser of things to come. In fact, one of the biggest boating events in the Southwest hit town last night: the Lake Havasu Desert Storm & Shootout 2024. And it promises big fun through Saturday night.
What: Lake Havasu Desert Storm & Shootout 2024
Where: Bridgewater Channel/London Bridge
When: April 24th to 27th
Lake Havasu Desert Storm & Shootout 2024
Events kicked off yesterday with my favorite event of the weekend…Kruisin’ for a Kause. We got to spend the morning on the water with dozens of children and adults with special needs. Big shoutout to Stoney’s Grill and Anderson Powersports for providing some delicious barbeque and beverages for the group.
Street Party
The fun continues with Desert Storm’s world-famous street party today. From 1 pm to 9 pm, approximately 1.2 miles of Main Street/McCulloch Boulevard shuts down to vehicular traffic for this family-friendly event. That means over a mile of vendors with boat-related merch as well as some amazing boats. This event is free to attend and open to everyone.
Parade of Power
From 11 am to 11:30 am, make sure you head out to Bridgewater Channel. That’s where the Parade of Power takes place. If you happen to be out on the water during that time, make sure you keep an eye out for the boats on parade. First responder boats lead the parade. (Trust me. You don’t want to miss this awesome sight.) Plus, we guarantee a few surprises as well. Here’s a hint: look up in the skies above the lake for a special treat.
Desert Storm
After the Parade of Power, Desert Storm begins. Participants race around to five different stations: Havasu Springs, Steamboat Cove, Havasu Riviera Marina, Thompson Bay, and Havasu Landing. At each location, teams pick up one card. By the end, these five cards create their poker hand. Make sure to drop off your official poker hand at the Desert Storm HQ tent located at Windsor 4 between 5 pm and 8 pm. Winning hands win fantastic prizes.
Shugrue’s Shootout
Finally, one of the most favorite of the weekend’s events, Shugrue’s Shootout, finishes the weekend off perfectly. Starting at Site Six, boaters compete against each other in a specially-designated course between 10:30 amd and 3 pm. Again, if you plan on playing out on the lake during this time, please beware of the designated course and keep clear of it. No personal watercraft may come within 60′ of any water vessel outside of a no-wake zone. Watch out for the big guys out there!
Registration Info
Anyone interested in participating in either the Lake Havasu Desert Storm or Shootout event must register online. No one may register in-person on the day of the event. Each crew must include a minimum of two people (one driver and one throttle man). Children may participate as part of the crew with a parent or guardian’s signed permission. Increase your chances of winning by purchasing additional poker hands. You may do that online as well. Keep up with the latest info by joining Desert Storm’s Facebook or Instagram pages. Good luck! Hope to see you there!
Sunstone Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, Lake Havasu City, AZ