Yampa River Festival returns for 46th year amid low flows
Adam Mayo Memorial Fish Creek Kayak Race, originally set for Friday, May 29, now canceled
Tom Skulski/Steamboat Pilot & Today archives
Friends of the Yampa will host the 46th annual Yampa River Festival from May 28-31, with a mix of on-water competitions, community events and educational programming centered on the health of the river, according to a statement released Tuesday.
Organizers said low river flows have already impacted this year’s lineup. The Adam Mayo Memorial Fish Creek Kayak Race, originally scheduled for Friday, May 29, has been canceled. A Hala Lima Tapping Party at Mountain Tap Brewery will still take place Friday beginning at 4 p.m.
“This has been a challenging year for all water users, but Yampa River Festival will bring an opportunity to learn about the river, find out how you can give back, and celebrate the Yampa,” said Friends of the Yampa Outreach Program Manager Katie Berning in the statement.
Saturday’s main events will shift to Rich Weiss Park (125 Lincoln Ave.) rather than Fetcher Park due to low flows. Because parking is unavailable at the site, participants can take a free shuttle operated by Bustang from the Stockbridge Transit Center (1505 Lincoln Ave.).
Races will include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting and fly-fishing.
Festival activities will run 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, with vendors, food trucks and beer from Storm Peak Brewing Co. set up between the Bud Werner Memorial Library parking lot and Little Toots Park. The Freshwater Family Zone, sponsored by the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, will also return.
The annual State of the Yampa address, set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Bud Werner Memorial Library, will open the festival. Sunday includes a 10 a.m. kayak slalom race.
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Organizers are also seeking volunteers for May 30-31 to assist with a variety of tasks, including on-water safety and parking logistics. Shift locations and times vary, and each volunteer will receive a free, exclusive T-shirt featuring artwork by local artist Kaitlyn Mueller.
Festival sponsors include the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, Fishpond, the Yampa Valley Electric Association, SBNY and Landmark Consultants, among others.
More information about the festival is available at FriendsoftheYampa.com. To sign up as a volunteer, visit tinyurl.com/4ae4fh8x.
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