Funding The “Petaluma Pete”
Celebrate John Maher’s Rivertown Legacy with this Tribute Boat!
Before leaving town, Petaluma River advocate and community ambassador John Maher shared his wish to leave a lasting legacy: a boat in the name of his beloved character, “Petaluma Pete.” He generously pledged $1,000 towards the $3,500 cost of adding a new boat to The Floathouse fleet, inviting the community to help raise the remaining $2,500 by the end of the month.
The boat is a Hobie Compass Duo (see photos below), a two-person pedal kayak, and one of the hardest working vessels in The Floathouse rental fleet—just like John! We currently have two of these boats, and a third has been at the top of our wishlist for a while. These kayaks are popular with renters and also play a vital role in our summer camps and special events.
John Maher’s “Petaluma Pete” has been a beloved character for many years, tinkling away at the ivories of his mobile piano, promoting Petaluma and engaging locals and visitors alike. Earlier this summer, after nearly twenty years in town, he and his wife Brenda moved to southern California to be closer to their kids, leaving behind a community of well-wishers.
What better way to honor John for his years of generous service (and miles of pushing pianos around town) than to help bring the “Petaluma Pete” to the river; to “putt butts in boats and smiles on faces”?
Please donate today, and help us say, “Thank you!” to a local hero!