Paddlefest

Please join us for the 11th Annual Paddlefest weekend, June 21-23 at Coney Island Park.

Cincinnati is the paddling capital of the United States and the Ohio River Way Paddlefest is the largest canoe/kayak paddling event in the Midwest with over 2,200 paddlers making their annual trek down the Ohio river during Paddlefest. It is a celebration dedicated to enjoying the experience of “paddling the Ohio River” one of Cincinnati’s greatest natural assets that sits right in our own back yard. Paddlefest  is a fun filled family event designed to bring people together to paddle, enjoy the outdoors, listen to great local music and much more for the whole family.

Paddlefest Weekend begins on Thursday, June 21 with the Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo presented by Hamilton County Park District,  RiverWorks Discovery, AEP River Operations, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources,  The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation and General Electric.

At Kids Expo 2012, children will tour the newest AEP River Operations working tow boat, the Buckeye and learn about life and jobs on the river. They will also learn how barges work on the Ohio, sustainable gardening and how to plant a garden,  how to bait a hook and catch a fish, renewable energy sources, bird species,  how to recycle, weather patterns, visit a petting zoo, ride a bike in the first Kids Expo bike rodeo and learn basic bike repair and more. Every child also learns about water safety,how to act in and around water,  how to safely paddle in water and the proper way to wear a life jacket. There is something for everyone at the Kids Expo, the exhibitors and presenters have interactive displays and presentations to engage the children to have fun while they are learning.

On Friday, June 22, the  Ohio River Music & Outdoor Festival takes place in the picnic grove at Coney Island. Listen to live music from 5 great bands, participate in the kayak fishing contest, cardboard boat races, Paddlefest Mini Dragon Boat Races,  silent auction,  ACA SmartStart kayak lessons, all day boat demos,  Outdoor Gear Market & Vendor Fair, Gear Swap & Flea Market, climb a tree, buy a raffle ticket for great raffle items, enjoy refreshments while spending  the evening with friends! Register for the Saturday Paddle the Ohio trip on the Ohio River and store your boat at our secure “boat check” area. (See below for registration fees.)

Paddle the Ohio on Saturday, June 23 on the 8.2 mile float trip, 11 mile Amateur race or the 14 mile Pro race. While paddling down river enjoy live music, water stops and the camaraderie of other paddlers. At the end of the paddle don’t forget to stop by the Gold Star Chili Finish Line Festival at Yeatman’s Cove for even MORE fun with music, vendors, refreshments and a chance to cool down and relax for a bit.

**If you are bringing your own boat, please remember that NO INFLATABLES will be permitted on the river. This policy has been set forth by the Paddlefest Safety Committee & the US Coast Guard.