It’s the 11th annual Charles City Challenge Whitewater Festival this Friday through Sunday.
Spokesperson Emily Garden says new this year is the Fry Float at 4 pm Friday (06.23) afternoon.
Free fries are provided by Soifer Family McDonald’s. Friday festivities also include the River Cleanup with bragging rights for the best “trophy trash,” plus free surf clinics on the Cedar River.
Competition starts Saturday at 10 am with the Kayak Rodeo followed by surfing at 11:30 am. Events Saturday afternoon include Boater X, and SUP X for both adults and youth, plus the Balls to the Walls Race.
A staple of the Challenge, that isn’t part of the official competition, is the Hooligan Race at 12:30 pm. Teams can race on the river on pretty much anything that floats (short of canoes/boats) with Charles City Chamber cash prizes awarded for the fastest times.
Organizer Lanie Sanvig says The Challenge is a fun time, even if you don’t get on the water.
The event wraps up with Sunday Funday.
Officials say, despite some concerns over low water levels on the Cedar River, all events are expected to go on as planned. Find more information and updates on the Charles City Whitewater Facebook page.
