Click the link to read the article on the Ark Valley Voice website (Daniel Smith). Here’s an excerpt:
Salida’s signature summertime event, the nationally-recognized FIBArk Whitewater Festival, takes place in and around Salida June 15 through 18, 2023 heralding fine whitewater event competition. There are other athletic and fun events like the Raft Rodeo and foolish Hooligan Race downtown as well as musical events throughout. This, the 75th Diamond Anniversary promises to be one for the record books.
The First in Boating the Arkansas (FIBArk) event is historic, dating back to 1949 and drawing whitewater enthusiasts from around the country. They arrive to complete in kayaks, rafts, stand-up paddle boards, and hilarious homemade ‘vessels’ on the Arkansas River and at Whitewater Park.
The crowd-favorite event, the Hooligan Race, runs from just north of the Whitewater Park, finishing at the park. Crowds line the riverbanks cheering and jeering as they witness competitors literally try to keep it all together in the homemade craft. Anything that floats (and is not a boat) qualifies.
Cleverly-designed (if not well-constructed) “craft” careen downriver, often leading to self-destruction as the occupants try to snag cash envelopes hung from lines across the river. While always a spectacle, safety is key and emergency crews are on hand to snag the unfortunate before they end up down in Cañon City.
