More than 1,600 people float Manitou Lake during record attempt

It was a lively weekend at Manitou Beach.

Some 1,640 people participated in The Big Float, an attempt to set a record for most people simultaneously floating on a mineral lake,according to Watrous Manitou Beach Tourism social media pages.

Manitou Lake is known for its high mineral content, which allows people to remain buoyant while swimming. The event was organized to celebrate Manitou Beach's 100 anniversary.

Boogaloo booming

The weekend also saw a successful Manitou Boogaloo. What was originally a fundraising event is starting to gain traction.

In fact, people who attended this year's second annual Manitou Boogaloo are asking organizers about the possibility of turning the gathering into a two-day festival.

Lenore Maier of Saskatoon surf rock bandThe Garrys said originally the group wanted to promote an album they made about the community.

Last year about 275 people turned out for the inaugural Manitoo Boogaloo according to Maier. She estimated over 400 people came for this year's edition.

Maier said the event is introducing new generations to the historic Danceland venue, where the Boogaloo is held.

"There's lots of people coming in from out of town who aren't familiar with Danceland," Maier said. "It's sort of like introducing the younger generations to some different ways of enjoying music."

While she says there's no question a third Manitou Boogaloo will happen, it's a matter of finding resources before deciding whether or not the gathering will be a festival or not. Right now, she and her partners are trying to figure out the logistics of hosting a festival.

Fundraising for spay/neuter program

While the Boogaloo features local artists and a historic venue in Danceland, the gathering also raises money for a spay and neuter program for stray animals in the Manitou Beach and Watrous area.

Maier said 25 per cent of the funds raised through ticket sales, penny parade and a silent auction are donated. The remaining funds are used to cover overhead costs of the gathering.

Maier said Saturday it was too early to know what the final amount raised was, but noted that the 2018 Boogaloo brought in more than $2,000 for their efforts.