It’s That Time of Year

It’s that time of year again—Boatnik weekend. Or as the locals call it… Dirtnik.

For those unfamiliar, Boatnik is our town’s big Memorial Day Weekend event. It’s a little bit patriotic, a little bit redneck, and a whole lot of community. There’s no charge to enter the park, which makes it especially great for families. You’ll find wristbands for sale if you want to go on the rides, but you don’t need to spend a dime to soak in the festivities. It brings out the whole town—and it’s kind of beautiful in that way. Rain or shine (but especially rain), the park gets muddy, the energy is high, and that’s where the nickname Dirtnik really earns its place.

I must say, it hasn’t rained as much during Boatnik in recent years, but as a child, I have memories of standing in the pouring rain and being absolutely soaked with my friends. We didn’t care—we were just happy to be there.

A Bit About Boatnik

Boatnik has been a Memorial Day tradition around here for decades. It started as a simple boat race on the river — neighbors and local businesses building and racing homemade boats just for fun. Over the years, it grew into a full weekend of rides, food, music, and community gatherings.

The boat races are still a big part of the weekend, with folks getting creative with their boats and costumes. It’s one of those events that reminds you of the town’s roots — close to the river, a little competitive, and full of heart.

Passing Down Traditions

My partner and I both grew up going to Boatnik, and now we’re passing down our favorite traditions to our son. Our little family has gone every year, and it’s become a core memory kind of thing. My son is now 4, and being a sensitive little guy, he’s had some rough Boatnik experiences in the past—overstimulation, crowds, sensory overload. But this year? This year felt like a win. No meltdowns, no long lines, no accidents. Just pure fun.

We saw friends while we were there—friends with a daughter who we could easily call my son’s first best friend. They’re still going strong a couple years later, and watching them reconnect mid-chaos was a sweet full-circle moment.

He went straight for cookie dough Dip ‘n Dots (not the rainbow kind—dyes are a no for us). He also spent the whole time pointing out every American flag he could find, which felt fitting since he’s in a very intense flag-loving phase at the moment.

We opted out of the parade this year, even though it’s usually a staple. It’s just too much stimulation packed into one event. And honestly, knowing your limits and planning for your child’s needs is one of those small parenting wins that deserves more recognition.

Fair Food and People Watching

Even before we had our son, Boatnik was always about the food for us. Fair food at its finest. We’d walk in with a mental checklist of must-haves: Dip ‘n Dots, funnel cake, and all the fried things we’d never eat any other time of year. There’s just something about eating something terrible for you while people-watching and taking it all in.

And speaking of people-watching…

Boatnik also does this thing where it puts me in my head a lot. I’m a natural observer, so if you think I’m looking at you, I probably am. But I want to make it really clear—just because I’m observing doesn’t mean I’m judging. If anything, I’m admiring.

I find myself watching people fully living. Noticing how they wear what they want, how they hold themselves with confidence, how they don’t seem weighed down by the idea of being perceived. That’s what really fascinates me. I wonder what it feels like to be so unbothered. So confident in taking up space. It’s something I’ve been working on slowly in my own life.

Seeing Our Youth Through a Coach’s Eyes

As a coach, Boatnik gives me yet another lens to look through.

I see a lot of kids come through our gym—families with all kinds of stories, backgrounds, and values. It’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from coaching: kids really are a product of their surroundings. The energy they absorb, the values they’re raised with, the attention (or lack of it) they receive—it all shows up in how they carry themselves.

I know some amazing teens. The kind who are respectful, kind, hard-working—everything you hope your own child will grow into. But if I’m being honest, walking around Boatnik sometimes makes me a little sad about where our youth seem to be heading.

There are always going to be kids who act out, push limits, or try to grow up too fast. That’s not new. But this new wave feels different. It’s not just rebellion—it’s loud. It’s performative. It’s… a lot. I hear kids cussing every other word and talking about things way beyond their years. And they’re getting younger and younger. It’s unsettling—not because I expect perfection, but because it feels like no one is checking in, guiding, or helping them understand the weight of their words and choices.

Obnoxious behavior. Minimal clothing. Way too much makeup on really young faces. And maybe I am just getting older, but it’s hard not to worry.

What are they trying to be? What are they trying to prove? And more importantly—who’s showing up to guide them?

Looking Ahead

Which brings me to my future. I want to be a person in the lives of our youth who educates, guides, and supports them. The kind of adult I would’ve needed when I was younger. The one who sees the good, even when it’s buried under layers of chaos. Because our kids deserve more than what the world is currently offering them.

And sometimes, it just takes one person to make a difference.

Even if that difference starts at a place called Dirtnik.

Because at the end of the day, our kids probably won’t remember what flavor they picked… but they’ll remember how it felt to be there with us.