Video – Photo Gallery – Float for Serena: A Day of Laughter, Memories and Love on the Ganaraska

Pete Fisher
1 day ago
• Categories: Local, Photo Gallery

The laughter carried down the Ganaraska River Saturday afternoon, echoing off the water and surrounding trees.

For those who knew Serena Shaw, it almost felt as though she was there with them.

Five years after Serena’s tragic death, her family and friends continue to gather each summer for a day on the river — doing something she loved and remembering a young woman whose personality and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Serena died on August 4, 2021, in a tragic collision.

She was 23-years-old.

Each year since her death, family members, relatives and friends from across Ontario have returned to the Ganaraska River for Float for Serena, an event that has become a celebration of her life rather than simply a day of remembrance.

“It was one of her favourite pastimes to do was to get in a floatie and floating down the Ganaraska River,” the said her father Steve Shaw.

And there may be no better way to remember Serena.

The annual gathering began on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Sylvan Glen Conservation Area, where the group gathers around noon for lunch.

There are lawn chairs spread throughout the park, food shared among family and friends, conversations and plenty of laughter.

Then comes the preparation for the main event.

Floaties are inflated, costumes are put on and everyone gets ready for the trip down the river.

Some participants go all out with their costumes, adding another element of fun to a day that Serena herself would have loved.

Shaw said it is “100% what she’d want.”

The group then boards a wagon for the ride upstream before launching their floaties and beginning the leisurely journey down the Ganaraska.

Among those taking part are Serena’s parents, Dawn and Steve Shaw, along with her sisters, Kylie and Emma.

Steve remained at the park while Dawn and Serena’s sisters joined the float down the river.

For them, the trip is about more than simply enjoying a summer afternoon on the water.

It is a chance to talk about Serena, share stories and remember the moments that made her who she was.

Serena was described as someone with plenty of spunk — someone whose personality could fill a room and who left a mark on the people fortunate enough to have known her.

And on the river, those memories seem to come naturally.

A story here.

A laugh there.

A memory of Serena.

Then another laugh.

As the group slowly made its way down the Ganaraska, the sound of laughter seemed to follow them along the river.

For a moment, it was easy to imagine Serena’s laughter among the group.

There was sadness, certainly, but the day was not defined by sadness.

It was defined by the things Serena loved — friends, family, laughter, the outdoors and simply having fun.

Shaw said everyone had “lots of fun,” but there were also “lots of memories.”

That is what Float for Serena has become.

A tradition.

A reunion.

A celebration.

And a way of making sure Serena remains part of the lives of the people who loved her.

Five years after her death, her family and friends are still gathering.

Still laughing.

Still telling stories.

Still floating down the Ganaraska.

And still carrying Serena with them.

“We all love Serena.”