DEERFIELD RIVERFEST PLANNING BEGINS
American Whitewater Events Director, Mike Phelan traveled back to his home state of Massachusetts this past week to kick off this year’s planning session for the AW Deerfield RiverFest held August 2-3rd, in Charlemont, MA. This is the 10-Year Anniversary for the festival and in 2003 will be showcased as one of AW’s flagship events.
Meeting with volunteer Mike Coleman, local festival manager & director, Bruce Lessels and Evie Locke from Zoar Outdoor, and Tom Christopher, AW Board member & Conservation Chair, the group locked themselves into a room and spent the day strategizing on festival logistics and creating new ideas to make this year’s event the most successful ever.
The festival has become the highlight of the New England paddling season and each year attracts a thousand visitors including boaters, friends, and local residents to the Town of Charlemont. Over the years it has become known as a “great party” and traditionally, a time when boaters to their credit, always seem to put on their best manners for the community. Whitewater boating has become an important economic activity for the region and each year the festival attracts boaters from all over the U.S.
This year’s festival will focus on adding vendors and activities that provide a level of community outreach to interest families and children, as well as place an emphasis on the conservation and access role AW has played in the region. Music, food, and lots of entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening will keep the crowd hoppin’ and happy as they shop for new boats, outdoor equipment, and local arts and crafts. Some might even be lucky to place a winning bid at the Silent Auction.
This year’s exciting festival is a special event that celebrates the first major AW relicensing victory in New England. To help us celebrate this incredible river–contact Mike Coleman at (781) 662-7162 or mdc@beaconarch.com. to volunteer. If you would like additional information, please visit www.americanwhitewater.org/events. Be Part of a major milestone in American Whitewater history.