Charles City Challenge ready for the weekend

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Cedar River is flowing strong this week as Charles City prepares for the 2025 Charles City Challenge.

Diving in on Friday, June 20, new surfers will have a chance to get their feet wet with surf clinics. A youth clinic will take place from noon to 2 p.m., followed by an adult clinic from 4 to 6 p.m.

In between clinics, volunteers are invited to spruce up the river banks with a quick river clean up where they will compete for bragging rights to find the weirdest item.

Later that evening, the PAWS Dog Jog will have its first ever Glow Run, with a 5K or one mile walk/run near the river, starting at Tellurian Brewing. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and the walk starts at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, June 21, the Charles City Challenge begins in earnest with registration for the day’s contests starting at 9 a.m.

Charles City kids who attend the Friday youth clinic will also have their registration fee covered if they decide to enter the Saturday competition.

In addition, local businesses have offered a selection of prizes available for Charles City residents taking part in the day’s various activities.

“We really would like to see some locals down on the river,” said Tourism Director Ginger Williams.

The games begin at 10 a.m. and will continue through the afternoon along with a variety of free clinics and free floating contests.

For those less inclined to go into the water, the event will still offer plenty of entertainment while spectating the river activities.

“If you want to sit and hang out, there’s a lot of action, music and food,” said Williams.

After the Saturday events, the schedule officially ends on Sunday with a day of free floating activities, riverside relaxing and recovery.

“Sunday is just kind of a chill day,” said Williams. “It’s just a nice, fun day for people to go hang out.”