CINCINNATI — Paddlefest, the country’s largest paddling event, returns to Cincinnati, kick-starting the week with a sunrise paddle Wednesday morning.
And after being rained out last year, the event is ready to bring back nearly 2,000 paddlers to the Ohio River. Between a nine-mile and a four-and-a-half mile route, there’s an option for any level of paddler, especially with all river traffic stopped.
The event, put on by Adventure Crew, is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds helping city teens and children experience outdoor adventures.
“Nature is a great healer," said Libby Hunter, executive director of Adventure Crew. "We have a lot of mental health issues going on, and also a great connector. So kids make friends, they make better friends at their schools, with kids from other schools. Getting them out in nature is often something they might not have the means to experience themselves. And the opportunity for developing that passion for not just recreation, but we help prepare kids for future employment in the environmental field."
Hunter said she looks forward to a weekend full of community among outdoor enthusiasts.
“It’s extraordinary just to see so many people coming out for one, for a great cause, but for something they love to do and how that all swirls together, it’s just a really beautiful thing," she said. "And it’s not going to rain this year. Last year it was rained out, so we’re absolutely thrilled that it’s going to go off and everybody gets to celebrate here on the river.”
To kick off the weekend, Friday’s Outdoors for All Expo is at Schmidt Park and is free to attend. Registration is required for the paddling event and attendees can register Saturday morning.