After last year’s event was landlocked due to the pandemic, Paddlefest paddlers are ready to get back into the water.
Founded by a group of friends in 2001 with just 275 paddlers, the 20th Paddlefest is expecting more than 2,000 people to make their way down part of the Ohio River on Saturday, Aug. 7.
The nation’s largest paddling celebration typically takes people on a nine-mile journey down the river, but this year, to celebrate the 20th year, organizers have introduced a shorter 4.5-mile paddle — as well as a bigger Friday night opening party.
“After taking Paddlefest virtual in 2020, we can’t wait to get back on the water for our 20th year,” said Miriam Wise, associate director of the nonprofit Adventure Crew, which produces the event. “With a second paddling option and an expanded Friday night party, 2021 promises to be the best Paddlefest yet.”
Things kick off with a Friday night pre-party and Outdoors for All Expo at the Schmidt Recreation Complex (2944 Humbert Ave., East End) from 4-9:30 p.m. Aug. 6. The event is free and includes live music from Tracy Walker, Gabbard and Company and The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars; local beer from MadTree; food trucks; and plenty of exhibits and demonstrations from outdoor-minded and eco-friendly vendors.
There will be a hammock lounge, camper van tours, a gear sale, farm-to-table snacks, a kids’ zone and demos, including one on the biomechanics of paddling. Overnight camping is available for $20 (note: there are no water or electric hookups).
Then on Saturday, boats will drop in at that same location — the Schmidt Recreation Complex — for a 4.5- or nine-mile paddle down the Ohio River. The 4.5-mile float ends at downtown’s Public Landing, and the nine-mile adventure wraps up at the Gilday Recreation Complex (3540 Southside Ave., Riverside). Boat rentals were available with advanced registration, but everyone is invited to use their own canoes, kayaks or SUPs, as well.
Paddlers must register in advance. Rates are now $70 for adults and $20 for kids for the 4.5-mile float and $75 for adults and $25 for kids for the 9-mile float. For those who feel a need for speed, there is also a special racing component, with registration details at paddleguru.com.
Racers — including a rumored appearance by U.S. Senator and Cincinnati native Rob Portman — will launch first at 7 a.m., followed by the rest of the boats until about 9:30 a.m.
There will be a Finish Line Festival at the Gidlay Recreation Complex, once again featuring local food and local beer, as well as vendors in a special “Conservation Corridor.”
All proceeds from Paddlefest benefit the Adventure Crew, a nonprofit which helps connect teens from 24 Greater Cincinnati high schools with free outdoor recreation.
“Your Paddlefest participation helps Adventure Crew get teens outdoors for activities such as kayaking, biking and hiking,” Wise said. “So a fun day paddling with us is also a way to share your love of the outdoors with kids who might not otherwise have access to nature.”
For more information, visit ohioriverpaddlefest.org.
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This article appears in Jul 21 – Aug 4, 2021.