Nation’s largest paddling event is here this week | Environment

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - The three-day Ohio River Way Paddlefest is expected to draw more than 2,200 paddlers from 17 states, making it the nation’s largest paddling event.

The 11th annual event will be held Thursday Saturday on and along the Ohio River in Cincinnati.

This year’s Paddlefest ties into a wide menu of connected events.  "Paddlefest has become a floating pep rally for the Ohio River," said Brewster Rhoads, Paddlefest chair. "It's a wonderful way for people of all ages and skill levels to celebrate, promote and protect our region's most important natural resource."

Schedule of events:

Thursday, June 21 - The Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo, presented by the Hamilton County Park District, at Coney Island from 9:30 am till 4:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.   It’s the largest water safety and environmental education event for children in the Midwest.  Children learn how to catch a fish, properly wear a life jacket, paddle a raft, make cardboard boats, tickle a goat, identify the fish and wildlife of the Ohio, prevent water pollution, climb a climbing wall, grow vegetables, generate renewable energy, take a nature hike and encourage their parents and siblings to recycle, save energy, pick up litter and enjoy the natural world in their own backyard.  Adults and children alike will be able to tour the “Buckeye State”, a working tow boat on the Ohio sponsored by RiverWorks Discovery.

Friday, June 22 – The Ohio River Music & Outdoor Festival is at Coney Island from 9 am till 11:30 pm.  There will be live bands on the WNKU stage, canoe and kayak lessons, Dragon Boat races, kayak fishing tournament, cardboard boat races, a used canoe and kayak sale, boat demos, silent auction and outdoor gear market and a vendor fair.  Admission and parking is free.

Saturday, June 23 – The 11th Annual Paddle the Ohio & Finish Line Festival travels the river from California to Downtown.  With the Ohio closed to barge and powerboat traffic, canoeists and kayakers will paddle 8.2 miles from Coney Island to the Cincinnati Public Landing.  Paddlers depart Coney Island starting at 7:15 a.m. with the last boat leaving at 9:00 a.m.  The Gold Star Finish Line Festival at Yeatman’s Cove runs from 10:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. with live music, exhibitors, food and refreshments.  Registration is required to paddle.  Admission to the Finish Line Festival is free.

Also on Saturday, Cincy Pedalfest will take place starting at 7:30 am at Sawyer Point.  Cyclists will ride out to Armleder Park and back (19.5 miles round trip) where they will join up with paddlers at the Finish Line Festival.  Cincy Pedalfest is sponsored by Miami Group Sierra Club, Queen City Bikes and Ohio River Way.  A registration fee required to participate.

Registration info and schedules for Paddlefest are available at http://www.ohioriverway.org/paddlefest/

Registration info Cincy Pedalfest is available at http://cincypedalfest.org/2012/

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