The nation’s oldest whitewater festival—Salida’s FIBArk—has some competition for competitors this year, as the Reno River Festival is moving its dates to June 15-17, 2012, hoping to take advantage of more consistent weather and river flows.
Former world champion kayaker Ruth Gordon-Ebens is the new director of the 9-year-old event, which has previously been held in May. This 9th annual running of the event includes the Festival’s popular freestyle, boater cross, and slalom kayaking competitions.
Ruth Gordon-Ebens is a three-time World Freestyle kayaking medalist, 2007 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, Pan American champion, Canadian National champion and Reno River Festival winner, taking home top prize as recently as 2011. “While I’ve been involved with the Festival for the past few years, this is the first time that I will be taking on the role of Festival Director and I look forward to the challenges of producing an event of this magnitude,” said Gordon-Ebens.
“I’m typically on the other side of things, competing and participating as an athlete, which I feel gives me a unique perspective on how we can continue to grow the event while also making all of our fans and athletes happy.” The Ontario, Canada, native moved to Reno in 2008 after competing in the Reno River Festival in its early years.
Live music will be on stage throughout the weekend, along with Yoga in the Park and enough food and drink to satisfy paddlers and spectators from all over the country.
“We really took a close look at the event to determine what’s working and what’s not and moved forward from there,” added Jim Bauserman, the Festival’s owner. “Not only do we anticipate better, more consistent weather in June, we think that the new additions, combined with the already popular returning events, will be a welcome format for 2012.”
The 9th annual Reno River Festival is held at the Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield located in the heart of downtown Reno’s Old Southwest, named one of “Best Neighborhoods in America” by Men’s Journal magazine and recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of “America’s Coolest River Walks.” Hosting top whitewater athletes from around the world June 15-17, 2012, the city’s $1.5-million Whitewater Park is within steps of the downtown Reno gaming and entertainment corridor including dining options ranging from five-star to those open until 5 a.m., entertainment venues, museums, theaters, hiking and biking trails and a selection of renowned hotel-casinos offering fully customizable weekend getaway packages.
Also taking place is the Run Amuck fun run, and two new events: a Splash Dog Competition and the Biggest Little Dog Jog. Splash Dogs is a nationally recognized dog enthusiast company that organizes and promotes dock-jumping events across the United States.
Info.: renoriverfestival.com
–Aaron Bible
