Giant unicorns, ducks, swans and flamingos joined pizza slices, parakeets, inner tubes, rafts, an ice cream sandwich and all manner of flotation devices on Welland Recreational Canal Sunday afternoon.

Though the weather was cooler than the last few days, it didn't stop an estimated 1,500 people from coming out to take part in the fourth annual Canadian Tire Floatfest.

Organizers said it would take a few days before they had an exact attendance figure for the event, which also saw live music throughout the day, food trucks, and all manner of vendors along the banks of the former canal at Lincoln Street Docks.

For Marlene Markowitz, and her husband Tony, it was their first time at Floatfest.

"We came because we were at our friends last night and they mentioned it to us," she said.

"We love the water … we're going to have fun."

Markowitz's friends were the Szabo family from Beamsville.

Brittany Szabo said the family came to the event because her father wanted to see the Rock of 80s band that was performing in the shaded area of the canal bank.

"We saw photos of it from last year and it looked really good," she said, adding she was excited to get in the water and take part.

Floatfest came about after Welland resident Phil Gladman was inspired by a community lazy river float event at the Kaljakellunta beer festival in Helsinki, Finland.

Mitchell Topolinsky and Lexus Hanson made their second visit to the event in the Rose City on Sunday.

Both said they came last year and had a blast.

"I'm still a bit white, so I thought I might as well get a tan as well," Hanson said with a laugh before heading out on the waterway.

James Neil and Angela Moressa came to Welland from Hamilton to take part in Floatfest.

Neil said friends told him about the event.

"It's our first one and we're here to enjoy a great day on the water," he said.

St. Catharines' Amber Lindley came for the "people and the fun."

She found out about the event on Facebook and after floating south down the recreational canal, due to winds out the north, she came to the dock area to get back in the water.

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"I'll be here again next year for sure," she said.

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

905-684-7251 | @DaveJTheTrib