Red Riverfest 2021 and Red River Canoe Race News Alert
This spring, the Friends of Red River (FORR) under auspices of the Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) and in partnership with the Explore Kentucky Initiative invites the public to join them for the Wild and Scenic Red Riverfest which is presented by Powell County Tourism and Wolfe County Tourism and Kentucky River Authority. The RiverFest is a celebration of the “Wild & Scenic” Red River, the only waterway in Kentucky that has this invaluable designation from the National Wild & Scenic River System which keeps it free-flowing and protected. The 2021 edition of the event includes the 8 mile Red Riverfest Float trip, revival of the historic Red River Canoe Race, and virtual fest!
“It’s an honor to work with the dedicated volunteers of Friends of Red River. We hope that our efforts to clean the river, construct more access, teach environmental education, and provide fun paddle events to the Red River community and visitors helps to foster a love of the river and cultivate stewards of our precious natural resource,” - Laura Gregory, Red River Watershed Coordinator.
The on water activities take place on May 15th with both launching from the Copperas Creek Canoe Access Point. The Middle Red Float Trip is a 7 mile journey that immerses participants in the incredible beauty of the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest, wild gorges, and the socially distanced camaraderie of fellow paddlers on the water. The biggest event of the day is the Red River Canoe Race, which is back after a nearly 40 year hiatus. The inaugural event was hosted in 1967 and ended in the 1980s. The 2021 edition will include the same course as the previous event, taking participants on an arduous, but rewarding 29 mile journey through the Red River Gorge, Kentucky’s most popular natural region.
“Powell County Tourism Commission is proud to be a partner in bringing back the historical Red River Canoe Race. We are very excited that Friends of Red River are able to add this race to their long list of accomplishments including education about our river and keeping it clean. We know this race will open numerous opportunities for water adventures in an area known for hiking and climbing,” said Miranda Fallen, Powell County Tourism Director.
On a “normal year” FORR and KWA would host the Red RiverFest at the paddle/race takeout location. However, due to COVID this year’s virtual 2021 Red RiverFest will take place during various weeks in July and August, on both entity’s social media platforms and websites. In addition, fun environmental education programming will be incorporated at FORR’s upcoming community fun paddle events in Clay City (TBA) and at Wolfe Lake in Campton (8/14 tentative).
Partners this year for the Wild & Scenic Red Riverfest include presenting sponsors - Powell County Tourism and Wolfe County Tourism, & Kentucky River Authority. The paddlesports races at the event are part of the Waterman Series.
“ We’re excited to partner with the Friends of Red River and Kentucky Waterways Alliance to create a fun, inclusive, and safe environment for participants to learn and explore the Red River Gorge, one of Kentucky’s most beloved natural regions,” said Gerry James, founder of Explore Kentucky.
Friends of Red River is a watershed group, who hosts river cleanups, creates new river access, provides environmental education, & hosts fun events on the Wild & Scenic Red River, the only waterway in Kentucky that has this invaluable designation from the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is a nonprofit working to protect, restore and celebrate Kentucky's waterways. KWA envisions a Kentucky that sustains our vast network of healthy waterways. Kentucky’s lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands support thriving aquatic ecosystems, healthy fish and wildlife populations, abundant recreation, and dependable, clean water supplies for future generations."
Explore Kentucky Initiative is a Black-owned and led outdoor oriented social enterprise dedicated to inspiring Kentuckians and visitors to the Commonwealth to engage in an active lifestyle fueled by outdoor adventure while preserving the natural resources of our 120 counties.
Powell County Tourism operates out of Slade, KY - home of the Natural Bridge State Park. The Commission’s goal is to support tourism and growth of our beautiful geological area while preserving and protecting the small businesses, natural elements, and history of the area. We hope you will stay, eat, shop, and enjoy our adventure capital of Kentucky.
Wolfe County Tourism is dedicated to promoting Wolfe County as a tourist destination to attract visitors to our "Naturally Gorgeous" area.
Waterman Series is a collective effort of paddle sports enthusiasts, grassroots organizers, communities and sponsors who promote paddlesports racing as an inclusive activity.
To learn more about the Wild & Scenic Red Riverfest navigate here.
Contact
Laura Gregory at (606) 359-0324 or laura@kwalliance.org
Gerry Seavo James at (270) 766-3822 or gerry@explorekentucky.us