A celebration of the Animas River, paddling and partying is returning to Durango after taking last year off. This weekend, the 23rd edition of Animas River Days is “back in its laid-back fashion.” A schedule of events follows:

Friday, June 9

2-4:30 p.m.: Registration at 4 Corners Riversports, 360 S. Camino del Rio. Entry fee includes all events, T-shirt, party and entry into prize drawings.

6 p.m.: River Parade hits the water at 32nd St. put-in and floats to the take-out behind 4 Corners. All river craft are invited to join. Prizes awarded to the best decorated “float” in raft, kayak, canoe and “other” categories.

8:30 p.m.: 4 Corners Riversports hosts a BBQ and party behind the store. Bring your own meat or other grill food. Frosty beverages will be supplied.

Saturday, June 10

8:30-9:30 a.m.: Event registration at Santa Rita Park

10:30 a.m.: Slalom race starts at Santa Rita Park

1-2 p.m.: Rodeo registration at Santa Rita Park Pavillion.

2:30 p.m.: Rodeo starts at whitewater park. Awards for slalom and rodeo will be given competition.

Sunday, June 11

9-10 a.m.: Registration for the downriver race, open to race boats, plastic boats, canoes, rafts and catarafts, takes place at the 32nd St. put-in.

10:30 a.m.: Downriver race begins with a mass start at the put-in. The race will end with awards behind 4 Corners Riversports.

2-4 p.m.: River clean-up begins at Backcountry Experience, 1205 Camino del Rio, and includes a BBQ and prizes.

For more information, call 4 Corners Riversports at 247-3893 or log onto www.riversports.com.