Wenatchee River Festival
June 11, 2005
Washington’s rivers are in the same boat as rivers everywhere in the United States. Access is drying up for paddlers, anglers and hikers. User fees are increasing. Alarms over terrorism are closing easements across utility company property. Liability issues on crossing private property along rivers is choking access. Regulatory oversight of water projects is in decline. Recreation along river corridors could become a thing of the past and conservation might become a quaint historical term.
What can be done? Plenty. You can sit in an eddy and watch it all happen around you or you can peel out and take an active role.
Come out and take part in the Wenatchee River Festival! This event will raise funds for river conservation, access and safety in the Pacific Northwest. Plan to be there to partake of the festivities and the best early summer paddling runs in the region!
Events such as clinics, races, live music, booths, a film festival, a live auction and a BBQ await you. All the details can be found at www.wenatcheeriver.com
Celebrate at our off-the-water site at the Riverside Park in Cashmere; the take-out for the class III run on the Wenatchee. The flows are on the low side but there’s still plenty of water to have a good time and Tumwater Canyon is coming into a prime range for those looking for more of a challenge.
Need a break from paddling? Give your feet a workout and take advantage of the great hiking. Or try mountain biking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and, yes, even shopping.
Clinics and events will take place on Saturday. Shuttles for people will be offered all day. When Saturday evening arrives, pig-out on great food and guzzle a few cold beverages right at the take-out. Then stick around to party. Our sponsors have donated a generous assortment of great gear and services for the live auction and raffle (see the festival website for the full list).
Cashmere is a paddle stroke away from Leavenworth, the tackily distinctive eastern Washington Bavarian-themed town. Camping and lodging in motels and rental chalets are available in the area. We’re working on group camping. For local information see www.leavenworth.org and www.visitcashmere.com.
At the Wenatchee River Festival paddlers will get together, have fun and celebrate rivers. You will raise awareness of river issues, especially in the Wenatchee Valley. Major support is coming from the Washington Kayak Club along with help from other regional paddling clubs. Get out of your boat just long enough to raise funds to improve the conservation, restoration, access and safe enjoyment of whitewater rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
This event is part of American Whitewater’s member appreciation tour, so there will be special perks and goodies for members who participate (check it out!).
Wenatchee River Festival contacts:
Director: Jennie Goldberg 206.933.1178 festival@wenathceeriver.com
www.wenatcheeriver.com
Washington Kayak Club:
http://www.washingtonkayakclub.org/
American Whitewater:
http://americanwhitewater.org/