Thousands turn out for revival of Healdsburg Water Carnival

Elegance and durability don't always go hand in hand.

But organizers made sure the 20-foot-tall, motor-powered swan that led Saturday's river parade at the Healdsburg Water Carnival had both in equal measure.

Instead of paper mache, volunteers glued sturdy Styrofoam to create its frame, which local tattoo artist Adam Burns then carved into shape before the swan got its fiberglass skin.

"It's built to last 50 years," said Shaun McCaffery, an engineer who led the effort.

The carnival at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach on Saturday was the first reincarnation of the historic festival in more than 75 years. A similar swan was the focal point of the original Healdsburg Water Carnival, which started in 1905.

And it seemed abundantly clear from the large crowds and smiles on organizers' faces that the swan and the carnival will at least be back next year.

An exact headcount wasn't possible, but organizers were sure sure they had surpassed their hopes of 3,000 visitors. Park Manager Bert Whitaker said he was ready to start planning the 2012 carnival immediately.

"I've never see this many people in this park," said David Robinson, aquatics specialist with Sonoma County Regional Parks. "It's awesome."

As a nod to the beach's past, the event included the parade of floats, a vintage bathing suit contest, a Whiskeroo moustache-and-beard contest and even a Corn Dogging contest where kids dunked themselves in water and rolled on the beach to cover themselves in sand — the more the better.

Proceeds will benefit the park and the annual installation of its seasonal dam, which creates the beach's famous swimming hole.

Sonoma County Supervisor Mike McGuire, who represents the area, said the carnival's success marked a triumph for the community and a continued turn-around from the grim situation earlier this year.

In February, the beach was on the cusp of being closed because of the county's financial problems until the Healdsburg City Council voted to spend $55,000 to repair the dam.

Sponsors not only covered the cost of throwing Saturday's event, they provided a extra $18,000, McGuire said. Organizers hoped to raise an additional $15,000 Saturday.

"Every penny raised today will be reinvested into Memorial beach and the park," McGuire said. "This is something we want to keep alive for decades to come."