Pre-registration continues for this celebration of the privilege to recreate on “the Nation’s River,” presented by Potomac Paddlesports. Over a dozen events will take place from Great Falls through the majestic Mather Gorge and international freestyle champions and Olympic team athletes will perform alongside paddlers of all skill levels.

“Expert instructors will conduct on-water clinics Friday afternoon,” notes Risa Shimoda, Potomac Festival 2007 Chair.  Sunday morning many of those same experts paddling in the Great Falls race will electrify the weekend beginning at 9 am.  “Wave surfing, the Community Downriver Paddle and freestyle competitions will follow, staged from various locations.  Saturday evening’s feast for famished paddlers and friends, sponsor displays, music by Fat Chance and kayaker karaoke will entertain participants at Rockwood Manor as a silent auction encourages folks to bid on a fantastic array of high quality outdoor gear and gifts.”   Beginner-to-expert paddlers are invited to pre-register for this event that will be staged from C&O Canal National Historical Park (Maryland) Saturday and Great Falls National Park (Virginia) Sunday.

On Sunday morning, the attainment race (upstream from Anglers Inn) will be followed by freestyle finals for surface and squirt boats, all leading up to the weekend finale - boatercross, easily viewed from the Great Falls Virginia observation deck.  “We welcome everyone who is interested in this fun and exciting sport to join us for a fun and exciting weekend,” notes Sunny Pitcher of Potomac Paddlesports, Presenting Sponsor for the second year.

Proceeds will benefit American Whitewater, the nation’s champion for the protection of whitewater river resources.   Pre-registration is now open and will continue through July 3 at midnight.  To see the event schedule and to register, visit www.potomacfest.com.

For more information contact Risa Shimoda risa@theshimodagroup.com (301) 502-6548.