Posted: Sun, 11 Jul 2010 04:12 PM - 10,826 Readers

By: Steve Alberts

Tens of thousands of party goers lined the shores for the final day of Aquapalooza Saturday at Lake Travis

“It's like South by Southwest meets the water,” said Hal Jones, Aquapalooza organizer.

The free Texas sized party did not disappoint revelers.

“It went above and beyond, said Carey Millington. “This is the biggest party ever the party of the year.”

The only way in was by boat and there were plenty of them. Organizers say there were about five-thousand boats and thirty thousand people.
   
“It's amazing,” said Alexander McDonald. “There are so many people and so much music and so much to look at it's awesome.”

Rita Moriarity was enjoying the sunny weather with family and friends.

“This is great,” she said. “It's the best thing that's happened in a long time on this lake.”

Country singer Brad Paisley performed for the huge crowd.

“I'm a big country music person so it's great, said Tamera Haugen. “I love Brad Paisley.”

The hardest job was keeping people safe said Jeff Parrish an Assistant Chief for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

“With so many people, this much alcohol and so many propellers in the water all at the same time this is a recipe for disaster,” he said.

Dozens of law enforcement agencies were out patrolling Lake Travis.

“As long as we can stay out here and show high visibility show them we're here we are working and are enforcing the law hopefully everyone goes home safe tonight,” said Parrish.

After two days of music and parting, Aquapalooza ended with no major problems.

As of 7 p. m. Saturday, Lake Travis Task Force officers arrested 4 people-- 3 for public intoxication and 1 for possession of a controlled substance. That brings the total number of arrests for the two day event to 15. There were no drownings.

*  Story Contributed by: Steve Alberts