Cincinnati's annual Ohio River Paddlefest is taking a different approach this summer to offer a safer way to celebrate amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The event, which was slated for Aug. 1, invited roughly 2,000 padders to participate in a nine-mile trip along the Ohio River for the "nation’s largest paddling celebration."
The event kicked off in 2001 and welcomes kayaks, canoes and other watercraft to make their way down the river, while raising funds for local nonprofit Adventure Crew. According to a press release, the organization connects teens from various Greater Cincinnati schools "with nature through engaging recreation, education and conservation activities."
However, with safety concerns associated with COVID-19, and restrictions on gathering sizes, the organizers behind the event have decided to make adjustments.
“There are simply too many unknowns to move forward confidently in planning Paddlefest, especially with the current mandate limiting mass gatherings,” said Miriam Wise, associate director of Adventure Crew in a release. “Most importantly, we cannot execute a successful Paddlefest while keeping our paddlers safely distanced at the launch, take out, on bus shuttles and during on-land festivities.”
Beginning June 20, paddlers can participate in the virtual event, "Paddle for a Purpose," which invites paddlers of all ages to set out on their favorite waterway for a nine-mile trip in honor of the event.
"To retain the community feel that makes Paddlefest special, paddlers in the virtual event are invited to share their paddle on social media with the hashtag #PaddleForAPurpose and via the Paddlefest website so their experience can be counted and shared with the Paddlefest community. The virtual celebration will also include raffles, a paddler’s playlist and spotlights on both partners and paddlers," the press release reads.
Registration is now open ($25 for adults; $10 for youth) and is available until Aug. 8 and includes a neck gaiter which will be sent by mail.
If you'd like to raise funds for the Adventure Crew through the event, you can sign up to be a "Power Paddler" and earn swag while raising money for the cause.
“While we’re disappointed that we can’t host an in-person Paddlefest this year, we don’t want to disappoint the nearly 1,000 kids who participate in our adventures each year,” Wise said. “We hope the community will come together to Paddle for a Purpose to help sustain the nonprofit during this challenging time.
“We know that Paddlefest is a hallmark event in the region, and we will be excited to bring it back for its 20th-anniversary year in 2021,” she added.
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