For perennially popular Float Your Boat competitor Megan Evans, the annual tradition of igniting the light and letting it shine has fast become a family affair.
Owning the night with fan favourites 'Yellow Submarine' - last year's Newcastle Permanent People's Choice and Mayor's Choice 5-10m winner - and 'Dino Party' in recent years, the Evans clan is gearing up for another firecracker of a display this winter solstice.
"My parents have helped, my brother helps, and my sister-in-law and kids get involved as well, so on the night it's very much a family boat and we take different people out each night," Ms Evans said.
"We watched Float Your Boat from the shore for a number of years while we had our young babies at home and as soon as they grew up, there was something special about Float Your Boat, so we decided to get in on the action.
"And now we've got the bug."
Expressions of interest are now open for captains and crafters to join the Float Your Boat fleet for 2026 and go in the running for a raft of prizes.
With Lake Macquarie City Council putting up $600 for the first 20 entrants to assist with costs, and two free nights' mooring at Empire Marina on offer, it's the perfect time to throw your captain's hat in the ring.
Seasoned deckhand Ms Evans had some sage advice for debutants keen to make their maiden voyage.
"I think you have to keep it bright, you have to keep it bold and you have to keep it simple," she said.
"It doesn't have to be the biggest display on the water, but you have to make sure you can see it from the shore.
"It's joyful, it's creative, and there's something really special about seeing all the lights on the shore in the nighttime."
Fellow flotilla favourite Brad Farrar dipped his toe in the water for the first time last year.
Falling in love with the camaraderie and excitement of the spectators lining the lakeside live sites, Mr Farrar said it was fun and easy to participate.
"It's not that hard, I think possibly anyone can do it," he said.
"You purchase all the bits and pieces online if you work with a soldering iron and a hot glue gun, a couple of cable ties - that's all you really need.
"I would suggest you do the workshop at Empire Marina to get some ideas and hints on how to set it all up."
Cash prizes are up for grabs with $1000 for the most popular light display, $600 for runner-up and $400 for third place in the Newcastle Permanent People's Choice Award.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz will pick favourites in the five to 10 metres and 10m plus categories - with $400 prizes in store for 'Mayor's Choice' winners.
First-time entrants and boaties who refer a friend will go in the draw to win a two-night stay at a Lake Mac Holiday Park.
Boats must be a minimum of five metres and be capable of a minimum six knots per hour.
Captains must be over the age of 16 and hold a current RMS boat license.
Float Your Boat takes place over two nights, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 2026.
Head to lakemac.com.au
