Fun Fun Fun Fest 2012
Fun Fun Fun Fest brings back the hilarity and athletecism of the FFF AquaOlympics
One would think that providing a kick-ass music festival that rivals — and in some cases surpasses — the big boys in town would be enough to appease Austin’s addiction to entertainment. But for the creators of Fun Fun Fun Fest, more is always better.
Transmission Events has happily announced that the 2nd Annual Fun Fun Fun Fest Aqua Olympics will take place Sunday, August 19 at Fiesta Gardens.
Even though last year was considered a test, "there was never any doubt whether we were going to bring back the Aqua Olympics for a second year," says Transmission Events Marketing Director Matt Mandrella. "Everyone had such a blast on the water and in the stands that we even decided to step it up this year with the water sports and entertainment experience."
This year, Fun Fun Fun Fest is paying homage to one of Austin’s most beloved festivals, Aqua Fest, which took place on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in decades past, so what better way than to kick it off with a water-themed event for fans?
Like last year, participants have the chance to win a variety of prizes, including passes to the festival, by competing in events ranging from Stand-Up Paddle Jousting to a "Revenge of the Nerds" Belching Contest. Other events include Freestyle Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Paddle Boarding High Kick Competition and a Tug-O-War across the lake (where you might see some familiar CultureMap faces).
Patrons will also have the opportunity to revel at professional riders (including Austin’s own Chase Hawk) propelling themselves into the lake on the BMX Lagoon Launch, as well as pro skaters shredding on the half pipe.
If participating in the events doesn’t tickle your fancy, there is sure to be some “colorful” commentary of the activities of the day. Play by play of each event will be provided by KGSR’s Andy Langer and 101X’s Trevin on the Radio, while Riverboat Gamblers frontman Mike Wiebe will report live from the sideline.
To round it all out, Austin's Learning Secrets DJs and FFF Fest 2012 group Orthy will provide the soundtrack for the Aqua Olympics, and Frank will provide the delicious noms. There will also be tacos. Because what would a FFF event be without the FFF Fest Taco Canon serving up "supreme taco deliciousness by the blast?"
If you haven’t heard yet, the 7th annual Fun Fun Fun Fest lineup was announced on July 12 and it is nothing short of stellar. The bill includes spectacular reunion shows by the likes of Run D.M.C., Refused, Public Image Ltd., Braid and The Promise Ring. Headliners also include Santigold, Rakim, The Head & The Heart, De La Soul, David Cross, Against Me!, Bob Mould (of Hüsker Dü), Turbonegro, X (performing Los Angeles), Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, A$AP Rocky, Tomahawk and Hannibal Buress.
Three day passes and PIP (Pretty Important Person) passes are currently on sale with single day passes and student discounts coming later this month.
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The Fun Fun Fun Fest Aqua Olympics registration is now available. Competitors and teams for all events are encouraged to quickly register here.

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Kimi Antonelli greeted the Grandstand before boarding the trailer ahead of the Driver's Parade on Sunday. Photo by Daniel Cavazos
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