Friday, May 22, 2009
Steamboat is known for the unique and entertaining festivals and events that go on here throughout the year. This weekend welcomes the Yampa River Festival which goes beyond just having a good time. This local event is designed to not only showcase the river’s recreational uses but promote environmental awareness as well.
Between kayakers, fishermen, summer tubing operations and the like, there are a lot of different variables that impact our waters on a daily basis. This festival partners with the Colorado Mountain College, Everything Outdoor Steamboat and the Boy Scouts to bring awareness to the rules of using the river within city limits to the general public.
The Yampa River Festival is organized by Peter Van De Carr who owns Backdoor Sports and is a vocal river ambassador who leads by example. The event includes river competitions like the Tube Rodeo, Kayak Freestyle, Raft Race, Crazy River Dog Contest, Kayak Slalom Race and much more. Other celebrations include a viewing of “The Polish Race To The Bottom Of The Earth” – a film by Eugene Buchanan – on Friday night and the ‘Saturday Night Bluegrass Party’ at the Art Depot starting at 5pm.
Registration begins this evening from 5-7pm at Sunpies Bistro and participants can also register on the day of the event. For more information about the festival, call Backdoor Sports at 970-879-6249.
