AW Deerfield River Festival - July 25th, 2009 - Charlemont, MA

American Whitewater and F.L.O.W. started the Deerfield River Festival in 1994 to celebrate the successful dam relicensing process that took place in 1993.

The event focuses on bringing people to the area to enjoy a weekend of outdoor activities while showcasing whitewater paddlesports and raising funds and membership for American Whitewater. The main festival activities take place on Saturday afternoon/evening and provide entertainment for both paddlesport and non-paddlesport enthusiasts young and old.

The festival site will be bustling with activity including a whitewater marketplace, live entertainment, beer, and a silent auction with awesome outdoor gear. The Deerfield River Festival is a critical fundraiser for American Whitewater, and is one of our premiere events.

All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater’s conservation and access work throughout the Northeast. Come out and join us for a weekend of great paddling, exciting competitions, live entertainment, and the infamous silent auction.

Deerfield River Information
Vendor Information
Festival Schedule

The festival location has moved for 2009!

The Deerfield Fest will now be located in the town of Charlemont’s Fairgrounds approximately 1.5 miles from the old field location of years past.

Driving Directions

Past Deerfield Fests have featured some variety of a boat or bike race. Unfortunately, American Whitewater's insurance precludes this kind of competition for 2009.

Watch local raft guides (or people who wish they were!) compete to see which team will be crowned this year's raft guiding royalty at 7PM at the festival site.

Check out all the rules and competition info on the Raft Guide Olympics page.

Unfortunately due to state and local health code regulations camping is not permitted at the festival site. There are many campgrounds in the area, please call early for reservations as most campgrounds will book up eary.

Zoar Outdoor will be offering up a shuttle service to local campgrounds for those who would prefer not to drive from 9PM to 12 Midnight.

Deerfield area campgrounds and lodging

American Whitewater needs your help! Volunteers are needed to help prepare, setup, staff, and takedown the festival. Volunteers are asked for just a minimum of two hours, still allowing plenty of time for that river run or late night fun.

Learn more about volunteering

American Whitewater's raffles and silent auction are a highlight of many attending the Deerfield River Festival. Each year festival attendees get great deals on paddles, t-shirt, camping gear, and much more.