Floating a great idea

FlockFest at the beach helps families in Haiti.

With nary a thought of making it a regular thing, some people gathered on Sebastian Street Beach in Fort Lauderdale with swan floats.

That was four years ago. Since then, the event that has come to be known as FlockFest and has morphed into a multiday event.

“It started with a group of friends, 60 people, getting together for a nice day at the beach,” founder Steven Crawford writes in an email. “Each year, it grew bigger — word-ofmouth. This year, it’s an organized event with many sponsors and benefiting a nonprofit, Renand Foundation.”

FlockFest will take place today through Sunday and feature the following events:

Today, the kickoff party will take place at Georgie’s Alibi, 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. The time has not been announced. There is no cover charge.

On Friday, a VIP Appreciation Party for VIP ticket holders will take place from 7 to 10 p.m at the Grand Resort and Spa, 539 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale.

On Saturday, the main event, in which people take to the water in swan floats, will run from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. at Sebastian Street Beach (located between Sebastian and Castillo streets on A1A). An afterparty will begin at 7 p.m. at Georgie’s Alibi.

Finally, on Sunday, a T-Dance party will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Flip-Flops Dockside Eatery, 3051 NE 32nd Ave., in Fort Lauderdale. There is no cover charge.

Crawford says that while the VIP area tickets are sold out, he is organizing an area outside the VIP tent where people can give a donation and get some FlockFest swag. Because it’s South Florida, a DJ will be spinning. And don’t worry about inflating your float: There will be an inflate-your-swan station, as well, for a donation.

“Again, I want everyone to have a fun day at the beach, while giving exposure to local sponsors and charities,” Crawford adds. “It’s a great event for the city.”

The Fort Lauderdalebased Renand Foundation helps at-risk families in Haiti.

For information, go to FlockFest.com.

FLOCKFEST/COURTESY FlockFest will take place today through Sunday. The main event, in which people take to the water in swan floats, takes place Saturday at Sebastian Street Beach.