Charles City Challenge Whitewater Festival back for its 11th year

To The Press

Paddlers and spectators will join for the 11th annual Charles City Challenge Whitewater Festival at the Cedar River this weekend, June 23-25.

Winner of an Iowa Tourism Award for outstanding event, the Charles City Challenge attracts kayakers and stand up paddleboard (SUP) talent from across the Midwest.

“The Charles City Challenge is a great family adventure!” said Kris Perreault who has attended the Charles City Challenge for the past eight years.

“My whole family enjoys the event, Perreault said. “There’s something for everyone with the in-river events, riverside vendors, spectating and kids’ activities. The atmosphere is welcoming, and I get to chat with numerous residents and visitors. I look forward to this weekend each year!”

The event kicks off on Friday with a practice day. There will also be several events, including river surfing clinics and a river clean-up as well as the annual Hooligan Race.

“New this year will be the Friday Fry Float,” said Ginger Williams, tourism and marketing coordinator for the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce and Charles City White Water.

“Participants will float the course on giant, fry-shaped floats to receive fresh, hot fries at the end of the course,” she said.

There is no charge for the event, which is open to the public. Meet at the river below the City Hall/Hot Shots parking lot for a 4 p.m. start.

Registration for Whitewater Events begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the band shell near the Charles City Public Library. A $35 participant fee covers event registration, one T-shirt and entry for prize drawing. Medals will be awarded to the top place finishers.

Paddling events are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and will run consecutively until finished.

Scheduled events include Kayak Boater X, SUP X, River Surf Competition and more. Opportunities for open boating will allow river enthusiasts of all skill levels to experience the course.

The Hooligan Race will also take place on Saturday and is scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. start. Teams are invited to float inner tubes, inflatable rafts, or cardboard boats through the course for fastest times, with Chamber Cash prizes awarded. This contest is free to enter and open to the public. Pre-register online or onsite the day of the event.

Additional activities taking place on Saturday will be a scavenger hunt, face painting, hidden rocks and a Story Walk along the library trail for the kids. There will be a DJ and two food trucks on-site, along with some whitewater-related vendors.

Sunday, June 25, brings a “Sunday Funday” day of paddling.

A detailed listing of other community events can be found at www.charlescitychamber.com.

Charles City Whitewater at Riverfront Park opened in 2011 and  encompasses 11 acres of water with three world-class whitewater features. The surrounding Riverfront Park includes 23 acres featuring a handicapped-accessible boat launch, disc golf course, natural play area, amphitheatre, storm water fountain, labyrinth, picnic shelters and access to the community’s paved recreational trail.

The Charles City Challenge is a function of Charles City Whitewater in conjunction with the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce. It is sponsored in part by: Circle K Communications, CUSB Bank, Edward Jones – Mark Sindlinger & Jeremy Heyer, Fidelity Bank & Trust, First Citizens Bank, First Security Bank & Trust, Larry Pump-CPA, Mike Molstead Motors, Quality Auto Service, Soifer Family McDonald’s, Subway and Tellurian Brewing.

For registration forms and more information visit www.charlescitychamber.com, contact the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce at (641) 228-4234, or email ginger@charlescitychamber.com.

Schedule of Events

Friday June 23

• Practice Day – all are welcome
• Noon-2 p.m. – Grom River Surf Clinic with Hannah Ray J, Rob Pittman and crew
• 2-3 p.m. – Reading Water with Carl Neubauer
• 2-4 p.m. – River clean-up at the Whitewater Park (bring your own garbage bags)
• 4 p.m. – Fry Float
• 4:15 -6:15 p.m. – River Surf Clinic with Hannah Ray J and crew

Saturday, June 24

• 9 a.m. – Registration
• 9:50 p.m. – Mandatory in-river participant meeting
• 10 a.m. – Kayak Rodeo: Vertical Monkeys and Surf Machines
• 11:30 a.m. – Surf Comp
• 12:30 p.m. – Hooligan Race
• 1 p.m. – Boater X: adult/youth
• 2 p.m. – SUP X, adult/youth
• 2:30 p.m. – Balls to the Wall race
• 3 p.m. – Awards, prize drawings
• All day – Kids activities including scavenger hunt, story walk, hidden rocks, face painting; vendors, live DJ music

Sunday, June 25

• Sunday Funday on the river – all welcome