He's entertained countless children and families over the years, so it came as no surprise that a larger-than-life Super Mario emerged as the Newcastle Permanent People's Choice champion for Float Your Boat 2026.
One of 20 illuminated artworks to embark on this year's nautical odyssey around Lake Macquarie, Megan Evans' Mario was the star of the show, capturing the imaginations of more than 12,000 people at live sites and online to claim the high score and $1000 prize.
The result marked back-to-back People's Choice crowns for the Evans family, pipping Steve Upton's Olaf and Elsa (Frozen) display and Hayden Petersen's 'Jar of Fireflies' in second and third respectively.
"I think the key is finding something people can relate to and Super Mario has stood the test of time. I remember him being a fairly popular character as a kid and people growing up are still playing games with him and watching him on TV and in movies," Ms Evans said.
Ms Evans said the first year they participated they had to find someone to watch her sons Huxley and Koda on event nights, but now they were right in the thick of things.
"The boys really get into the making of the design and give me pointers along the way, so the more they can be involved the more fun we have as a family," she said.
"It's so much fun having people you know and people you don't know calling out and cheering you on. It looks fabulous and it's a great time for everyone involved."
Mr Upton added another podium to his illustrious eight-year Float Your Boat career, sailing to $600 and second place in the People's Choice with his family-favourite Frozen display.
Rounding out the top three for $400 in prize money was Jar of Fireflies - a joint effort featuring artworks from 130 Year One and Two students from Avondale School.
The students brainstormed ideas and came up with the concept of making their own unique fireflies to let their light shine around Lake Macquarie.
They built prototypes of the icosahedron jar using matchsticks and helped code the LED lights.
They weren't the only students who put together a display for this year's event, with Lake Macquarie Youth Council contributing a design for the VIP vessel.
The display 'Voices of Lake Macquarie' was inspired by a cross‑section of Lake Macquarie's natural environment, featuring mountains flowing into the lake, a tree symbolising the land, and the ocean beyond.
Above the lake was the Youth Council's bright orange loudspeaker logo, representing the voice of young people across Lake Macquarie.
Jenny Mares took out the Mayor's Choice award in the 5-10m category with her homage to a century of Winnie the Pooh.
Barry Neaton's nod to Fantasia was the Mayor's Choice winner in the 10m plus category, featuring Mickey Mouse conjuring a dazzling fireworks display.
Mayor Adam Shultz said it was tough to pick favourites this year given the quality and quantity of entries.
"Participants once again delivered an outstanding display of creativity, craftsmanship and imagination," he said.
"What makes Float Your Boat so special is the way it brings people together during a quieter time of the year and encourages them to experience Lake Macquarie in a completely different way.
"The more we can activate our night-time economy with such wholesome and fun events, the better."
Live sites were packed out at this year's event with more than 12,000 people across Toronto and Warners Bay foreshores on 19 and 20 June.
Onshore activations included roaming illuminated puppets from theatre company Curious Legends, fluorescent kayaks from Showtime Kayaking, roving entertainment, live music, food, games and more.
Float Your Boat was hosted by Empire Marina Lake Macquarie and supported by Commander Sponsor Newcastle Permanent; Admiral Sponsors Wangi Workers Club, Belmont 16s Sailing Club and Cardiff Ford; and Captain Sponsors Nova Cruises, Lake Mac Holiday Parks and Lake Macquarie Houseboats.
Visit lakemac.com.au to see the entrants and winners from this year's fleet.
