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It was
21 years ago that local boater Nancy Wiley brought the
idea for a river festival home to local boaters after
a trip to Idaho.
“I at the Payette Roundup and thought what a great
event it would be for Durango,” said the former
owner of Four Corners Riversports, which sponsors  the
annual event. “I came back and started Animas River
Days in Durango to bring awareness to the sport of paddling
and to rivers.”
And today, the organizers of the Durango whitewater festival
are once again trying to put the event back in the hands
of the hometown crowd.
“We’re trying to make it low key and bring
it home to locals,” said Andy Corra, co-owner of
Four Corners Riversports.
Corra said the emphasis this year will be on the recreational
and weekend warrior boater, with events including a river
parade, a rodeo for 9-to-5ers and a retro rodeo.
“The retro rodeo is for boats 10 feet and longer,”
he said. “We’re encouraging everyone to break
out the Darth Vader costumes and dust off those Dancers
and T Slaloms.”
Friday night’s river parade is scheduled to launch
from the 32nd Street put-in at 6 p.m., and is open to
“anything that floats,” Corra said. Incentives
for creativity include a prize for best-dressed float.
There’s even an event for river hounds –
a big stick contest, to be held Saturday afternoon between
slalom races. The winning pooch will receive a canine
PFD.
“We want the locals to participate,” said
Corra. “It’s all about parades, parties and
fun.”
– Missy Votel
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