Yes, like you said, it's good fun and good exercise indeed! Um! I agree with you, it would be great if this tradition will be also carried out the other parts of Thailand, too.
In the meantime, I think, each region has interesting Buddhist traditions by their own styles even though they have the same beliefs; i.e. Tak Bat Devo in Saraburi or Candle Festival in Ubonratchathani, etc. They are all amazing traditions indeed. ;)