The Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) is preparing for its fourth annual Soque River Festival on Saturday, July 29. Festival goers will have an opportunity to paddle on a quarter-mile stretch of the Soque at Pitts Park. The Festival also will feature food and family friendly activities.
The paddle is open to individuals and families for a suggested donation of just $5/person. There will be 30-minute slots beginning at 10:00 am and ending at 1:30 pm. Slots may be reserved in advance by e-mailing [email protected], or will be filled on a first-come/first serve basis at the festival.
“For logistical reasons, we are doing the paddle portion of the festival differently this year” says Duncan Hughes, SRWA director. “The paddle will be shorter and will not need a shuttle. The goal of the day remains to give as many people as possible the rare chance to experience the Soque River up close.”
The paddle is rated for “beginners” so even those with little to no experience are encouraged to attend. Boats, paddles and adult life jackets will be provided. Kids may participate with a parent or guardian, and child-sized life jackets must be provided by accompanying adults.
The festival is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Other activities include music, a corn-hole tournament, rainbarrel painting, a water bug hunt, and the return of the cardboard boat race at 1:30 p.m.
“The cardboard boat race is a really fun event for boaters and spectators,” says Hughes. “No registration is required and participants may build a boat ahead of time, or may build one at the festival. We will have plenty of cardboard and duct-tape, which are the only construction materials permitted.”
The Soque River Festival is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary except to reserve paddle slots. Food, SRWA merchandise, and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. All attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to enjoy a day by the Soque.
For information about sponsorships, volunteering for the event, or general questions, please call 706-754-9382 or e-mail [email protected].
