The full moon guided boaters to Lake Champlain from the Winooski River Tuesday night during the third annual Full Moon Ride.

The ride is known as the River of Light, and it was hosted by Friends of the Winooski River. About 50 people showed up to the Heineberg Bridge in Burlington to gear up for the ride. They also embellished their boats, kayaks and paddleboards with lights.

Event organizer Jeanne Keller says people were also encouraged to light up their bodies or wear headlights or solar lamps.

After gearing up, the group began the 2-mile journey to Lake Champlain. Keller said the main purpose of the event is to bring people together to admire Vermont’s natural beauty.

"We wind around through a lot of lands protected by the Winooski Valley Park District," Keller said. "It’s like you’re not even in the city. You’re not in a city. You get away from the bridge here. You’re out in the woods. You’re out in the water."

The Full Moon Ride offered something new this year. People who don’t own their own equipment could rent a paddleboard for $25. Keller said they partnered with PaddleSurf Champlain to offer the rentals after hearing people saying they wanted to participate in the ride but didn’t have the right gear.

Mark Kuprych was one of several participants experiencing the Full Moon Ride for the first time.

"I rarely do this. I’ve got friends who do it, but I’m in Vermont, so I’m going to do this," Kuprych said. "I know what I’m doing. I really like it. I just never get around to it."

Mark Schwabe said he has plenty of experience kayaking long distances but had never done so with a large group. He said it’s usually just him and his girlfriend.

This year’s ride was more memorable as it fell on the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11 in 1969. Event organizers said they didn’t intentionally schedule the ride on the anniversary, but they said it was a special coincidence.