A day of paddling, music and food is scheduled for Saturday, June 26.
The inaugural event is something Amy and Andy Colbert, the owners of Outdoor Augusta Riverside, have wanted to do for several years.
“We’re so excited,” she said
The day will be broken into two segments. The races are scheduled for the morning with racers starting on the water between and 11 a.m.
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“The categories are single kayak, stand-up paddleboard, tandem kayak and canoe,” she said. “It can be individual or team; however people want to do it.”
Registration for the race is $30. Prizes will be given. The course is a 6.2-mile loop around the island at Betty’s Branch.
People don’t have to race to get out on the water though, she said. Canoe rentals will still be available for those who just want to paddle without facing a clock. And people can watch the race for free.
Racers should be finished by 3 p.m. So far, about 40 people have signed up to race. Colbert is excited about that. Advance race registration is available at oariverside.com or paddleguru.com. Racers can register on the morning of the event as well.
“Saturdays and Sundays when the weather is nice are super busy anyway. We think people will walk up,” she said.
An award ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m.
The second part of the day includes the music festival from 6 to 10 p.m.
Three local bands — the Mason Jars, Coach and the Acostas, will play during the festival, she said.
“For the concert part of it, we expect a good amount of people. All three bands have big followings,” she said.
The concert is free. It’s family-friendly and dog-friendly too.
Colbert said she’s not looking at the weather forecast and is hopeful for sunny skies.
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Eventgoers can plan to stay most of the day and not worry about getting hungry. Eleven food trucks are scheduled for the event, and beer and wine will be available.
In addition to Outdoor Augusta Riverside, the Columbia County Parks and Recreation Department is an event sponsor. Outdoor Augusta Riverside is located at 25 Dolphin Way, Evans.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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