The project began in 1997, when a local artist first thought of glass floats as an intriguing way to launch the new millennium. Lincoln City sponsored the project, hosting the inaugural season in 1999-2000. Tourists came from around the country to search for their own brilliantly-colored, signed and numbered glass float.
For Lincoln City the Millennium Float project was a perfect combination of art and the outdoors. Those who came in search of a float often found their way to area galleries where unnumbered floats were available for sale, along with a dizzying array of fine art glass from around the world.
The city continues the promotion annually, running from Mid-October to Memorial Day – with hand-crafted glass floats being placed along the 7-1/2 miles (12 km) of public beach in Lincoln City, from the Roads End area to the Cutler City area. We put out the number of floats reflected by the year – so 2001 floats were placed in 2001, 2002 in 2002, etc…. You find it, you keep it!
Floats may be found above the tide line and below the beach embankment. Floats will not be found in or on the cliffs. Please be aware of beach safety. Never turn your back on the ocean! Sneaker waves and the force of the ocean often move logs and can be unsafe. Our fairies do not “drop” the floats on the beaches during storms.
When you find a float, call the Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB), 800-452-2151 or 541-996-1274, and register your float. We will send a Certificate of Authenticity and information about the artists who crafted your float.
Bring everyone to the beach to experience the fun of float hunting. Start a new family tradition!
Remember, the floats can be dropped at any time of the day, so why not get a place at The Coho Oceanfront Lodge, one of Lincoln City Oregon's premier Hotels, and make a day (and night) of it! To reserve your room, please call 541-994-3984 or visit http://www.thecoholodge.com.
