By Laurie Lenten

If you like trivia and you like spending time out on the water, then mark your calendar for the North Lakeland Discovery Center’s 2nd Annual Float Your Boat Trivia Rally scheduled for Saturday, June 22, on the Manitowish Chain of Lakes.
All you need to participate in this fun-filled day is a boat of any kind, although a pontoon or motor boat is recommended, and a team of up to eight fellow trivia enthusiasts who are willing to have their knowledge and awareness of Northwoods ecology and history tested.

According to Emily Heald, Water Program Coordinator at North Lakeland Discovery Center, the event is a scavenger hunt which requires participants to download an app on their phones and head out on the chain to figure out and complete a series of app-guided activities.

“I don’t want to give anything away here,” said Heald, “but you might, for instance, be asked to take a picture of a certain tree or plant, directed to locations that you have to mark with GPS coordinates, or find hidden items, which are worth extra points by the way. It’s just a whole series of really fun things to do out on the water, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and family.”

The app is only live from noon to 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Participants can launch anywhere on the chain to begin the hunt.

“We’ve also made sure to only include those lakes on the chain that we know have the best cell coverage,” she said.
Heald explained that teams are encouraged to pick a theme and to dress and decorate accordingly. Teams will win awards for the boat with best decorations and costumes. Awards will also be given to highest point earners and best video/pictures, too.

“Teams must provide a team name and most themes go along with the team name. Last year we had themes such as the Brewers, Hawaiian, and pirates,” she added.

An evening BBQ will be held at 5 p.m. at the Lion’s Pavilion at the Manitowish Waters Community Center Complex located at 5733 Airport Road, in Manitowish Waters.

Cost for the 2nd Annual Float Your Boat Trivia Rally is $75 per team and includes a BBQ and the awards ceremony. Pre-registration is required by Friday, June 21, at 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, call the North Lakeland Discovery Center at 715-543-2085 and ask for Emily, Annie, or Julie.

Laurie Lenten is a freelance writer who lives in Rhinelander. Her articles also appear in Northwoods Commerce, Northwoods ‘boomers and Beyond and Living on the Lake magazines.