Celebrating releases on the Black and Bottom Moose Rivers secured by American Whitewater — the 7th annual Moose River Fest will feature a full weekend of partying and paddling Oct. 12-14 in Old Forge, NY.
Activities start on Friday with a special release on the Black River Gorge from 11 am-1 pm. The Black River features seven miles of class 3-4 rapids along with a 15-foot waterfall and the class 5 “Poop Chute.” Before and after the Gorge release, boaters can access the Black’s two primo “park n’ play” locations that don’t require a water release.
Watertown is only an hour and fifteen minutes from Old Forge and after a day on the Black — paddlers can easily drive into the Adirondacks in time for the “Class Six” party hosted by Whitewater Challengers and Wave Sport at the Challengers outpost on Route 28 from 7 pm until midnight. The party features free beverages, video premieres and the Moose Fest “American Gladiators” competition.
The Gladiators competition will pit two contestants at a time balanced on upside-down rafts floating on the small pond at the Challengers oupost. Armed with padded paddles — the contestants will whale on each other until one falls into the drink. A five dollar entry fee will be collected from each entry with the winner of the single-elimination tournament claiming the pot.
Saturday during the day will be dedicated to paddling with a Bottom Moose release. Boating will also be available on the Middle and Lower Moose sections which don’t require a water release.
Get a taste of the paddling on the Moose through photos in our photo gallery .
Water levels for the weekend will be augmented by the drawdown from the Fulton Chain of Lakes that will commence Friday morning. Gauge watchers should be aware that the drawdown will increase the river level by .5′ or more early Saturday morning. Even if the river looks low Friday afternoon — the drawdown will kick in by the time boaters put on Saturday.
Boaters coming off the Bottom Moose should look for the special barbecue hosted by Northern Outfitters at the takeout. But save some appetite for the festivites at the annual Saturday night Fest.
The 2001 Moose Fest will be staged at the Enchanted Forest/Water Safari theme park on Route 28 across from the Waters Edge Hotel. The Water Safari stepped up to host the event after the Fest’s traditional North Street pavilion site collapsed under a heavy March snow. The pavilion is being rebuilt bigger and better and will again host the Festival in 2002.
Like previous Festivals, this year’s event will feature live entertainment, food, beverage, a silent auction, equipment displays and retail sales.
The weekend will conclude with another Bottom Moose release on Sunday.
For additional information, contact Festival coordinator Chris Koll at ckoll1234@aol.com.