Paddlefest founder Brewster Rhodes says it’s a way to celebrate the river’s beauty and value to the region.

Rhodes says the event also helps combat the perception of the river as dirty or unsafe. He calls Paddlefest a “floating pep rally” for the river.

The event is more of a party than a race. There will be people in costume and live music, with several bands performing on houseboats for the paddlers this year.