Ohio River Paddlefest returns on August 1-2 with an outdoors expo, leisure and race paddle events on the river, and a Finish Line Festival. Proceeds support Adventure Crew, the nonprofit organization that connects teens in the region with nature activities.
All Paddlefest participants put-in on the Ohio River the morning of Saturday, August 2 at Schmidt Recreation Complex in Columbia-Tusculum. The 4.5-mile paddle ends at the Public Landing downtown, while the 9-mile paddle continues to Gilday Riverside Park beyond Sedamsville.
All boats and floats are welcome at Paddlefest. Besides the leisurely paddle options, the Seven Bridges Race features youth, men’s, and women’s categories in various craft divisions, from canoes and kayaks to paddleboards.
Outdoors for All Expo kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, August 1 at Schmidt Recreation Complex. Paddlers and non-paddlers alike can browse exhibits from local parks, outdoor outfitters, adventure experts, and environmental organizations, plus enjoy beer, food trucks, and live music.
Ohio River Paddlefest was launched in 2001 and has become the nation’s largest paddling celebration, attracting more than 2,000 participants each year now. Registration for leisure paddlers runs from $20 for youth to $75 for adults onsite at the event. Boat rentals are available for a separate fee.