Gunnison River Festival set to finish this Saturday with variety of wet events

SUP cross, freestyle kayak, King of the Wave and more

by Than Acuff

Due to unusually high river flows starting two weeks ago, Gunnison River Festival organizers were forced to postpone several of the competitions to a later date. Following a river festival powwow Tuesday night, they have a plan to finish off the river festival in style this Saturday, June 27 from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the Gunnison Whitewater Park.

Extremely high water during the original weekend of June 13 flooded the parking area and walking paths of the Gunnison Whitewater Park, and while organizers managed to pull off events such as the down-river races and the Oh Be Joyful kayak race, some of the annual river festival highlight events had to be postponed.

This Saturday they will bring everything back to action, starting with the ever-popular Waggin’ Tails Canine Big Air competition at high noon. The Kids Zone interactive area will be open from noon to 4 p.m., with the Kids Foamy Boat Race at 1 p.m.

Things then ramp up starting at 1 p.m. with the Paddleboard Adventure Co. SUP cross.

Immediately following the SUP cross, boaters will jump into the water for the Gunnison County Inflatable Whitewater Rodeo at 2 p.m.

The kayakers then take over the show, displaying their bag of tricks in the McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group Freestyle Kayak competition at 3 p.m.

The day comes to a close with the Gunnison Country Shopper Surf the Wave/King of the Wave competition at 4 p.m.

In an effort to curtail vehicle traffic and parking issues, organizers are also rewarding people who ride their bikes to the festival area. If you ride your bike you receive a ticket for a shot to win one of two townie bikes being given away. The drawing will be at 3 p.m.

There will be face painting, interactive booths, food and high-octane action in the water.

More information and registration can all be found on their website, www.gunnisonriverfestival.com.