Fifty years ago a small group of passionate kayakers and locals held the first Whitewater Festival on the “Wild Mile” (previously known as the “Mad Mile”) of the Swan River in Bigfork, MT. The festival started with just a few boaters and loads of spectators and quickly grew into a world renowned event, drawing in professional boaters from all over the world.
While the festival itself has ebbed and flowed through the past fifty years, the Swan River class IV boating section has remained one of the most sought after runs around. Originally hosted by volunteers and kayakers, the festival is now a committee of the Chamber of Commerce with the non-profit Montana Kayak Academy being the beneficiary of the funds raised by the festival.
The festival began purely as a kayaking race but has now grown to include rafting and stand up paddle boarding. Over 100 participants are expected to be a part of this year’s 50th anniversary race. A handshake and bragging rights, along with $20 was the “purse” fifty years ago. Thanks to tremendous sponsors (Outrider Presents, Sky Vault Media and Whitefish Credit Union are this years headliner sponsors), the prize money is now $1,500, $750, and $500 respectively for 1 – 3 places for both men’s and women’s races.
The Festival begins at noon on Friday, May 23 and wraps up with the awards ceremony around 6pm on Sunday, May 25th. Thursday, May 22nd there is a community night party at Whistling Andy’s and a Baywatch themed 50th anniversary party Saturday night (May 24) at Riverview Bar. To see the full schedule of events, visit: www.bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com
The Bigfork Whitewater Festival is unique in that it largely caters to the crowd and community. With the Wild Mile running right through downtown, viewing and partaking in the stoke and high energy of the race is just as thrilling for spectators as it is for the paddlers! For more information visit: www.bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com
Press release: Bigfork Chamber of Commerce
Photo: Pixabay
