It's a Seattle tradition 87 years in the making. Thousands took to the water on Saturday for the opening day of boating season.

Nearly 300 boats paraded down the Montlake cut, and even more lined up along the long boom to get the best view.

Among them was Roy Robinson, who's been a part of opening day for nearly 30 years now. He says it all began with a birthday gift to his wife.

"Need a new boat - why not give to your wife, right? So it's been in the family for a long time," he said.

Robinson is a staff captain of the Saettle Yacht Club, the group that helps organize the opening day festivities.

"There are 150 people that work 12 months to get this to come together like it does," he said.

And the payoff is the big crowd it draws. Tim Heflin says he tied up his boat two days in advance. On Saturday, he showed up with a balloon launcher and water gun in hand.

"We usually wait for the fire boat to come back and we challenge them and we get wet," Heflin said.

Robinson says it's people like Heflin that keeps the event going through the years.

"It's really amazing. Look at the enjoyment it's bringing to the people of the city," he said.