North Augusta’s new event designed to draw people to the Savannah River gets underway at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June. 4.
An event on the river was first proposed by Mayor Briton Williams during a July 2021 council meeting. Williams said he never understood why North Augusta did not have an event to highlight the city’s riverfront.
However, in proposing an event, Williams called on citizens to suggest what the event should be. Suggestions were collected, and a citizens advisory committee selected raft and kayak races, supported by activities along the riverbank and into Hammond’s Ferry.
The “Rockin’ and Raftin’ Festival” was born.
“You know, there’s been a lot of thought put into it, first and foremost by the citizens of North Augusta who basically came up with the concept,” said Tourism Director Randy DuTeau. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to add a new summer event to our roster of events. We’re super excited and we’re looking forward to trying something new.”
The centerpiece will be 250-meter races for kayaks, SUP’s and “custom rafts” on the Savannah River. The Augusta Rowing Club is working with North Augusta on the events.
Participation in the races requires registration. There is a $25 fee for single races and $40 for tandem races. Sign-ups are still being accepted here.
“But then we’re also going to have an open paddle. So, that’s something that people won’t necessarily register for, but they’ll have the opportunity to try out some kayaks on the river,” DuTeau said.
Kayaks for the free paddle are sponsored by CSRA Kayak Rentals.
Although designed to highlight the Savannah River, there will be plenty to keep landlubbers occupied. Vendors that specialize in recreation and outdoor activities will be set up, there will be games and live music by the Mason Jars at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater from noon until 2 p.m. All those activities are free.
“And if you want to eat, we’re going to have plenty of offerings for that too. With food trucks and food vendors,” said DuTeau.
DuTeau recommended parking in the parking decks at SRP Park, the Crowne Plaza Hotel and across from the Municipal Building.
DuTeau was hired as North Augusta’s first tourism director about six months ago, working in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department. He’s not sure what to expect Saturday but hopes predicted weather of sunshine and temperature in the 90s bode well for this inaugural event.
“It’s a great unknown, you know, the first year, first time event. It’s really hard to guess what the attendance is going to be like, but we think it’s going to be pretty cool,” he said.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
