Launching into the Chippewa River for FATFAR 2016.

It apparently takes more than a global pandemic to stop what’s been called the largest one-day tubing event in the world: FATFAR – the annual float down the Chippewa River from Chippewa Falls – will evidently still take place on Sunday, June 21. Nevertheless, authorities are hoping participants stay safe during an event that this year will add the potential for spreading COVID-19 to the traditional combo of water, booze, and floatation devices.

FATFAR, otherwise known as the “Frenchtown Annual Tube Float and Regatta,” has been held annually for about 44 years, typically on Father’s Day weekend. It draws hundreds – maybe thousands – of participants, who typically launch their tubes (or other floating/inflatable objects) into the river in Chippewa Falls and wind their way downstream to Loopy’s Saloon, Grill & Event Dome on Business Highway 29.

Because – unlike all the other festivals and fairs which have been pulled from the calendar in the Valley this summer – FATFAR is an organic event with no real organizers, there’s no one to cancel it.

Because – unlike all the other festivals and fairs which have been pulled from the calendar in the Valley this summer – FATFAR is an organic event with no real organizers, there’s no one to cancel it.

“We can not cancel FATFAR since we do not own the event,” Bill “Loopy” Kleich, owner of Loopy’s, said this week in a Facebook post. “Many people will be floating this Sunday (Father’s Day) and some have told us they will be floating Sunday the 28th. Loopy’s will be open for river rentals seven days a week weather permitting and the Saloon and Grill will be open for food and beverage sales. As always, it’s your river. Please keep it clean and be safe.”

Because of the likelihood FATFAR will float on this year, the Chippewa Falls Police Department has taken to social media to remind participants to stay safe with warnings about both the dangers of irresponsible drinking and irresponsible social mixing. “Although there are no enforceable mass gathering or social distancing orders, we do strongly recommend following them,” the police department wrote on Facebook. (The Chippewa County Public Health Department has advised that outdoor public gatherings be kept to 50 people or fewer, but there’s no ordinance or order in place to enforce that recommendation.)

Here’s the police department’s advice:

• It’s illegal to drink alcohol on the public boat landing, so wait until you’re out on the water to imbibe.
• Drink responsibly and pick up after yourself.
• Wear a life jacket, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer and/or plan on drinking.
• Because of COVID-19, practice physical distancing and stay home if you feel sick.
• Tell a loved one where you’re planning on going, and make plans on how you can get a safe ride home when you get out of the water.
• “And most importantly, no matter what you choose to do this weekend, stay safe and don't forget to have a little fun!”

The bottom line: Getting on the water always carries risk, particularly when mixed with intoxicants and a potentially deadly virus.

Here’s the full post from the Chippewa Falls Police Department: