The Cross Lake Floatilla celebrated 33 years with its 2024 Cross Lake float party. Through the hard work of the Floatilla 2024 team, $50,000 was raised. These funds were contributed to Heart of Hope and Woody’s Home for veterans, two very worthy Shreveport non-profit organizations.
This year, the Floatilla team hopes to raise $100,000 in donations. These funds will donated to The Shriners Hospital, the Jewel House, Heart of Hope and Woody's Home. The full day event will be centered at The El Karuban Shriners on South Lakeshore.
Unfortunately, the Cross Lake American Legion (Lowe McFarlane American Legion Post. No. 14) is hosting a competing event pm on the same day--June 14. Like The Cross Lake Floatilla, this American Legion post is a non-profit entity.
The differences between the two floatillas are many.
For beginners, is history and tradition. The Cross Lake Floatilla is now in year 34 while the Legion is in year one.
Secondly, the moneys raised from The Cross Lake Floatilla are donated to Shreveport charities. The American Legion copycat will keep its proceeds for operating its building on South Lakeshore.
Thirdly, The Cross Lake Floatilla has always invited participation by everyone, without any ties or commitments. The Legion is primarily pitching its ball to the American Legion members.
Cross Lake is owned by the City of Shreveport. SPAR issues permits for these events. SPAR requires The Floatilla a furnish $2 million event liability policy and to have two EMTS and two SPD officers on site for the event. What requirements SPAR will place on the American Legion is presently unknown.
Unfortunately, many businesses have been confused by the two floatillas on the same date. The American Legion has made a run on The Floatilla sponsors and has some success. Of course, businesses are free to donate/sponsor any event of their choosing, however identification of how proceeds will be disbursed is a salient inquiry that should be made.