11th Annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Race & Festival

Saturday, June 15, 2013
Garrard Landing Park and Riverside Park, Roswell
9 a.m. (race), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (festival)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Paddlers of all ages and skill levels will take to the water on Saturday, June 15, for the 11th Annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Race & Festival. 

Organized and presented by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) in partnership with the National Park Service and the city of Roswell, the event celebrates the Chattahoochee and foster a sense of community around the river that serves nearly 4 million Georgians and 70 percent of metro Atlantans.

The RACE begins at 9 a.m. at Garrard Landing Park on Holcomb Bridge Road and includes competitive and recreational categories for Kayaks, Canoes and Stand Up Paddle Boards. This 8-mile course includes exciting Class I-II rapids and concludes at Riverside Park, the site of the FREE family-friendly festival, music and awards presentation.

The FESTIVAL, held at Roswell’s Riverside Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is FREE and family friendly. Racers and others will enjoy LIVE music plus an array of exhibits that include local artisans and farmers market vendors. For the kids: Frisbee dog demonstration, face painting, balloon artists and other family-friendly activities. Click here to see a list of vendors.

Our power-packed music lineup: Headliner Jimmy Hall and Friends, featuring the front man of Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee Wet Willie of “Keep on Smilin’” fame. Also onstage will be the Women of Rock trio of Caroline Aiken, Diane Durrett and Donna Hopkins, as well as Music Matters “Rock U” Bands.

Awards will be presented in all categories at the conclusion of the race, including awards for Best Costume and Best Boat Decoration. The race also includes a Team Challenge as a way to build pride, morale and camaraderie among groups such as companies, schools, and clubs. As a special treat for racers only, paddlers will be greeted at the end of the course by the SweetWater Beer Barge. Paddlers can enjoy sodas, water, or a SweetWater brew (for patrons 21 and over) before going ashore.

Advanced registration is available April 19 through June 7 for the fee of $40 for solo boats and $60 for tandem boats. After June 7, onsite registration costs are $50 for solo and $70 for tandem boats and will be available based on capacity. All registered paddlers will receive a gift bag, a race T-shirt, a boxed lunch, and a one-year membership in CRK.

Proceeds go to support CRK’s mission to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River system for the people and wildlife that depend upon it. Recycling provided by City of Roswell. Please remember to recycle at the festival!

Become a Sponsor! With the continued threats our river faces, CRK needs your support more than ever. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Tammy Bates at tbates@chattahoochee.org