FATFAR

Okay, I know that the majority of you are wondering right now what the bejeebers a FATFAR is. Well, FATFAR has nothing to do with a politically incorrect term for a place overweight people go to lose weight. Instead, FATFAR (which is an acronym for Frenchtown Annual Tube Float and Regalia) is a yearly party on the Chippewa river in Chippewa Falls, WI. Don't have anything to do this weekend and enjoy Wisconsin's waterways and a good party? Think about checking out this event.

FATFAR had humble beginnings. It started over 25 years ago as a yearly get together amongst some friends who were residents or former residents of Chippewa Falls. The event grew each year as more and more people invited their friends. The event, which is not sponsored by the city, has grown to the point where several thousand people gather each year on Father's Day to float down the river. The float has two unofficial end points. For those who prefer a short float, the end point is Loopy's Bar and Grill, which is about an hour and a half from the starting point in downtown Chippewa Falls. For the real die hards, the float ends at Two Waters bar, which 3 hours from the end point.

The lovely Mrs. Jib and I have floated FATFAR on several occasions now. We enjoy it because it is an opportunity for us to tie our innertubes up with some friends and enjoy a relaxed float down the river, the mid-June sun, and a few of our favorite beverages. It is also fun if you enjoy the sport of people watching. The event has Mardi Gras elements to it, with interesting designs for floating devices, beverages, and, well, I'll let you imagine the rest. Mrs. Jib and I are not participating this year, but if you are looking for something to do this weekend, FATFAR comes recommended from us. It is definitely a PG-13 type event though, so it is not recommended for small children.