By Ben Doak, Staff Writer

If you have a boat and are willing to brave the chilly morning air on Dec. 1, you might get a spot six months later on the riverfront dock during Riverbend. For those who braved it, their pain was worthwhile.

Shane O’Neil, 31, of Fort Oglethorpe, was at a loss for adjectives when describing his experience: “It’s simple, wonderful, awesome.”

Mr. O’Neil was grilling hamburgers, one of the many conveniences, while we spoke.

“You’ve got everything on the boat that you need,” he said. “We walk into the festival; we’ve got pins and everything, but we don’t have to deal with the crowd. When it’s 12 o’clock, we get back on the boat and finish partying here.” Boats do not have to stay docked. Mr. O’Neil spent the day out riding on the river.

For Cindy Austin, 48, of Signal Mountain, it is a perfect place to bring friends. For one night it is an especially great spot.

“We’re staying here till Saturday night,” Mrs. Austin said. “So we are looking forward to seeing the fireworks.”

Surely this is one experience that everyone must envy.

E-mail Ben Doak at bdoak@timesfreepress.com