Men in hula skirts, water balloons, Scooby Doo and the American flag. No, it wasn't a scene from Men in Black II, it was the 18th annual Small Ships Revue Friday night in downtown Sharon.

Scooby Doo and friends floated in their Mystery Marine Machine to first place, winning the grand prize of $1,000. The second place winner was last year's grand prize winner, Flynn's Tire and Service Center with a Flynn-inspired floating blimp that netted them a $500 prize. The $250 third place prize was Lady Liberty recreated by the Austintown Fire Department, which was so tall that she had to be tilted to fit under the bridges over the Shenango River.

Though the tropics figured in many floats, American flags graced almost every craft this year, reflecting the national pride that has been rampant since September 11.

"I think it's very nice that they have that much patriotism and show their pride in their country," said Mary Ellen Stambaugh, 62, of Sharpsville, who pointed out a float with a flag and a guy in drag. "I also like those guys down here who are dressed up as women. They're real wacky."

But wackiness wasn't confined to the river. Water balloon-shooters lined the banks of the river and made sure they drove their wet point home to the floaters.

"We like to throw balloons, whatever you get your hands on," said Bonnie Snyder, 45, of Sharon, with a laugh. "It's a lot of fun, seriously, as long as no one gets hurt. You just hang out and talk and have a good time."

Paul Byers, 46, of Sharon, agreed. "I enjoy seeing the boats and the water battles," he said, holding a water balloon and keeping a keen eye out for his next floating victim. "I've been coming here ever since it began."

And future boat-floaters were watching in the wings.

"I want to try it one day," said first-time revue visitor, Albert Salvatore, 11, of Brookfield, who was visiting the event with his grandmother and brother. "It looks kind of nice."

Other people have made the boating event into a family reunion.

"It's something our whole family does together," said Sherry Hutchinson, 46, of Sharpsville, pointing out her 15-plus brood around her.

"The whole family has worked down there at one time or another," she said, referring to Best Wings USA, Inc., at Quaker Steak & Lube which sponsors the event.

"We've been coming to this on and off ever since it began," said Ron Clark, 48, of Mercer, who used to live in Seattle, Wash., and would schedule visits home to see the event. "We have family from out of town who we brought so they can see the event. I like to see the design of the boats."

The most unique ship was "Going Shopping" by David Kashabura, with an over-sized shopping cart full of groceries, and the most patriotic ship was "Old Glory" by Quaker Steak and Lube.

And it was obvious, that no matter who won the prizes, the event seemed to be a winner with everyone who attended.

"I used to come a long time ago, and I hadn't been here for several years, but it's always a blast, always hilarious," Ms. Stambaugh said.

"We've been coming here, for like, years. You have fun, it's something to do, you see all your friends. Everyone comes down here," said Leanne Formichella, 15, of Sharon. "I also think patriotic stuff at an event where everyone can see it helps bring everyone together. When you see a flag (on the ships) you know people care like you do."