Great Illinois River Raft Race returns Saturday
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By Austin Andre
The Great Illinois River Raft Race is returning to Calhoun this Saturday, July 8, on the Hardin riverfront. The event will begin at 3 p.m. with a kayak race, followed by a homemade raft race (restricted class) at 4 p.m. The final race will be an open-class homemade raft race at 5 p.m.
The races will start at the Godar Diamond. Race participants must be 18+ years old and sign a waiver. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners and several other miscellaneous prizes. The early bird entry fee is $20 per person and $30 per person after July 7.
First place in the kayak race will receive $200 this year and first place in the raft races will be $500. Cash prizes will also be awarded for second and third place in each race, and winning vessels will receive a paddle trophy.
Prizes will also be awarded for different categories including best theme, bad and bougie, redneck raft, wacky on the water, and best on budget.
Several raffles will be held at the event, including a 50/50 raffle and a kayak raffle: basket drops, bounce houses, a beer garden, and an official bags tournament. Community vendors will be present as well, as well as 92.3 WIL, with games, music, and prizes. Midwest Avenue will be performing from 7 to 11:30 p.m.
A firework show will be held in the evening as well.
First place in the kayak race will receive $200 this year and first place in the raft races will be $500. Cash prizes will also be awarded for second and third place in each race, and winning vessels will receive a paddle trophy.
Prizes will also be awarded for different categories including best theme, bad and bougie, redneck raft, wacky on the water, and best on budget.
More information can be found by emailing [email protected] or by going to www.illinoisriverraftrace.com.
