By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Calling all do-it-yourself sailors, mariners and boaters: The Rock River Anything That Floats Race is making a comeback this summer.
Dozens of participants are expected to build homemade rafts to float through the heart of Rockford on Sunday, Aug. 20. The float travels 1.65 miles from the Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Co.
This is the fifth year of the event and the first since 2019. It was called off starting in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re excited to bring back the annual tradition of the Raft Race to the city. The community has embraced the event which now, in its fifth year, has become another annual event to bring people to downtown Rockford and enjoy the riverfront,” Amy McIntyre, who is part of the organizing board that leads the race, said in a news release. “One of Rockford’s greatest assets is the river, and we are grateful to be a part of highlighting it.”
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The race was reintroduced in the spirit of old Rock River raft races that date back to 1976, when it was a “Yanks vs. Brits” raft race held as part of a Fourth of July radio promotion, according to the Rock River Anything That Floats website. The race eventually opened up to the public and drew thousands of people to the banks of the Rock River. In one year, an estimated 80,000 people attended, according to the website.
Money raised from the event benefits the Rockford Fourth of July Committee, Loves Park Ski Broncs, Rock River Trail Initiative and other charities.
In the four previous years, the event drew big crowds to the river banks and collectively generated more than $20,000 to benefit these charities.
New to this year’s race is the “Release the Quackin’” rubber duck launch. Participants release the ducks toward a target in the middle of the Rock River for a chance to win prizes.
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Also announced were plans to keep the hulled and do-it-yourself raft categories with first, second and third prizes for speed as well as one People’s Choice award and the Frank Schier Design and Creativity’ Judges’ Choice award.
How to participate
Participants can register at rratfr.com. The registration deadline is Aug. 14. The entry fee for rafts (with hulls or without hulls) is $100 per team (up to 10 crew members).
Fast facts | Rock River Anything That Floats Race
When: Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023 (rain date is Aug. 27)
Where: Rock River from the Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford
Race day schedule
- 10 a.m.: Check-in starts (all categories)
- Noon: Race begins at the Auburn Street bridge
- Noon to 3 p.m.: Release the Quackin’ on the dock at Prairie Street Brewing Co.
- 4 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Prairie Street Brewing Co.
- 4 p.m.-6 p.m.: After-party at Prairie Street Brewing Company featuring local band Dirty Fishnet Stockings
Register/volunteer/support: https://rratfr.com