Cooler weather brings AquaPalooza concert, boating festival, ‘JetSki’ racing, 40th anniversary celebration of London Bridge, and more.

As the temperature falls in September, Lake Havasu City becomes the center of some "cool" activities for visitors. Autumn brings to Arizona's "coastline" a variety of events, including a boating concert and festival, JetSki(R) racing, a major car show, and a 40th anniversary celebration of the world famous London Bridge relocated stone-by-stone to this resort city in 1971.

A FULL FALL -- in Lake Havasu City includes 40th anniversary of the London Bridge celebrations, AquaPalooza, and the "Super Bowl of JetSkiis" on Oct. 1-9. This event is the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals, held at Havasu every year since 1982.

Here's a look at what's in store for those who venture to this desert oasis over the next two months:

AquaPalooza Concert And Festival: Sept. 17

Lake Havasu City becomes the center of boating when the AquaPalooza festival and concert comes to town on Sept. 17. This traveling on-the-water celebration of all things marine visits over 100 locations nationwide.

Headlining the entertainment at a family friendly country music concert is Grand Ole Opry star Craig Morgan, a mainstay on the charts with an impressive body of work that includes 14 Top Ten hits, including fan-favorites "Redneck Yacht Club," "Almost Home," "That's What I Love About Sunday," and "Tough."

Created by Sea Ray Boats, AquaPalooza is free and open to all boaters and non-boaters (non-boaters be sure to bring a raft or inner tube). It's the world's largest boating event with fun activities for all ages, including a pro wakeboard show, Hyperlite wakeboard demos, new boat demos, poker run, kids' contests, barbeque, prizes, vendors, giveaways, and more.

Headquarters is the Nautical Beachfront Resort from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. AquaPalooza is sponsored locally by Sun Country Marine and KRFG Radio. (For more information: aquapalooza.com, a href="http://www.nauticalinn.com">nauticalinn.com.

Super Bowl Of "JetSkis": Oct. 1-9

The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals, held here every year since 1982, is the focal point of personal watercraft (aka "JetSki") racing in the world.

Seven hundred competitors from over 40 countries race on closed, slalom, freestyle, endurance/offshore and drag racing courses in front of thousands of fans lining the scenic Lake Havasu shoreline.

Personal watercraft racing is similar to motocross, but on a race course that constantly changes every lap, thanks to the churning wakes and waves created by as many as two dozen high-powered, jet-driven water rockets flying through the water and air.

Some of these finely tuned craft are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour on the straightaways.Then, an instant later, they have to decelerate and negotiate an intricate maze of tight left and right hand turns around a buoyed course.

Sponsored by Quakysense, the event is headquartered at the Crazyhorse Campgrounds and Resort and is a brew of speed, sun, and water plus hundreds of tanned and well-trained athletes riding the fastest watercraft on the planet. (For more information: ijsba.com.

London Bridge Is Not Falling Down: Oct. 14

No sir. Quite the contrary. The iconic signature attraction of Lake Havasu City has stood for centuries and is better than ever, if not a bit haunted here and there.

On Oct. 14, a rededication ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m. will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the relocation of the London Bridge (considered the "World's Largest Antique") to Lake Havasu City.

This will be a lighthearted take on the original ceremony, with actors playing the roles of Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCulloch, the Lord Mayor of London, and even the Queen.

Kids take note: Look for eerily authentic-looking replica heads of those poor, unfortunate souls beheaded and displayed on the bridge when it sat in London. And, in keeping with the history of the bridge in Lake Havasu City, the ceremony will conclude with all participants demonstrating a pledge of friendship by drinking wine from a large silver loving cup. (For more information: golakehavasu.com.

Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times
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