Blvckscene: One of the Largest Boat Weekends in Chicago
By Marshelle R. Sanders
On the beautiful weekend of July 19th, 2024, Blvckscene hosted its annual Boat weekend in downtown Chicago. The festivities kicked off on Friday with a lively Happy Hour, followed by a vibrant Day Party on Saturday, and concluded with an exhilarating Boat Day on Sunday.
This event provides a much-needed retreat for professional individuals, allowing them to relax, enjoy themselves, and connect with friends and family before returning to their busy lives. Karron, a member of the Blvckscene brand, shared insights in an interview about how this event came to be and what attendees can look forward to in the future.
Marshelle: Could you share more about the origins of Blvckscene and how the tradition of celebrating on Lake Michigan began?
Karron: A decade ago, we started with a close-knit group of friends and family celebrating our co-founder’s half-birthday on a single boat on Lake Michigan. We wanted to experience all that Summertime Chicago has to offer, and we believe Chicago’s Lake Michigan is a very unique summertime experience.
Marshelle: How has the celebration evolved over the years since its inception?
Karron: Since its inception, the celebration has evolved significantly. Over the next few years, two more founders became boat owners in the beginning, and the annual gathering grew as more friends joined in. In response to increasing demand, we’ve expanded this tradition over the last five years from a single day on the water to an entire weekend of activities. Today, this event has evolved beyond our initial circle of friends into a shared experience that embodies our community’s collective joy and connection. Each year, we aim to capture the essence of the “US” against the stunning backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline, celebrating the beauty of our togetherness.
Marshelle: What elements or activities make Blvckscene on Lake Michigan unique and memorable for participants?
Karron: Blvckscene on Lake Michigan offers a unique and memorable experience for participants through a combination of well-organized activities and a strong focus on safety. One key element that sets our event apart is the team of professionals we hire to ensure everyone’s well-being. We employ a dedicated team of lifeguards, boat coordinators, and staff to assist in rafting the boats, creating a secure environment where attendees can relax and enjoy themselves.
Our activities are designed to take full advantage of the stunning Lake Michigan setting. We offer a range of water-based activities, including boating, swimming, and water sports, all under the watchful eyes of our lifeguards. Our boat coordinators ensure smooth operations and seamless transitions between activities, enhancing the overall experience.
Additionally, we curate themed parties and community-building events throughout the weekend, providing diverse entertainment options that cater to various interests. Our picturesque location, comprehensive safety measures, and diverse activities ensure that Blvckscene remains a unique and unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Marshelle: How does Blvckscene capture the essence of community and togetherness during the celebration?
Karron: Blvckscene captures the essence of community and togetherness during the celebration through various intentional efforts and elements that resonate deeply with our diverse and vibrant demographic. This year, we are proud to welcome attendees from all over the nation and even overseas, showcasing our event’s broad appeal and inclusive nature.
Our attendees, aged 25 to 55, are primarily college-educated, with a significant focus on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) alumni. Sixty percent of our participants are Black women, and the median income exceeds $100,000, reflecting a professional and accomplished community.
We emphasize creating an environment that fosters connection and unity. To achieve this, we partner with sponsors and organizations that align with our mission, ensuring that every aspect of the event reflects our values and goals. We also collaborate with emerging photographers, videographers, and musicians who bring fresh, creative energy to the celebration, capturing the true essence of Blvckscene.
We host various events throughout the weekend to promote interaction and bonding. These experiences are curated to encourage meaningful connections and shared memories, enhancing the sense of togetherness.
By blending our beautiful Lake Michigan setting with a carefully curated lineup of activities and a focus on safety and inclusivity, Blvckscene creates an unforgettable celebration that truly embodies the spirit of community and unity.
Marshelle: What efforts does Blvckscene make to ensure the annual event reflects the beauty of Chicago’s skyline and the spirit of the community it represents?
Karron: Blvckscene makes several concerted efforts to ensure that our annual event reflects the beauty of Chicago’s skyline and the spirit of the community it represents. One key aspect of this is our meticulous planning and monitoring of weather conditions to select the best weekends for our events. By doing so, we maximize the chances of favorable weather, allowing attendees to fully enjoy the stunning views of Chicago’s iconic skyline against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.
To further enhance the experience, we hire a team of skilled photographers and videographers who specialize in capturing the essence of our events. Their work ensures that the beauty of the skyline and the vibrant energy of our community are well-documented and shared. We also collaborate with emerging local musicians and artists, whose performances add to the cultural richness of the event, creating a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.
Additionally, we prioritize partnerships with sponsors and vendors who align with our mission, ensuring that every element of the event—from food and beverages to activities and entertainment—reflects the values and diversity of our community. By focusing on these details, we create an environment that is not only visually stunning but also deeply resonant with the spirit of togetherness and celebration that defines Blvckscene.
Furthermore, Blvckscene fosters social interaction and community building through our GroupMe ecosystem. This platform allows new and returning event-goers to converse and share best practices, such as finding a boat, dining recommendations, and tips on what to wear. This ongoing interaction helps create a supportive and engaged community, ensuring everyone feels included and prepared to make the most of the event.
Ultimately, our careful planning, strategic partnerships, vibrant local talent, and active community engagement through GroupMe ensure that Blvckscene truly reflects the beauty of Chicago’s skyline and the vibrant, diverse community it represents.
Register and secure your spot if you’re interested in attending the largest boat party in Chicago next year. For more information on how to get involved, follow @Blvckscene on Instagram and visit their website at www.Blvckscene.com.
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