Paddlefest turns 20

Twenty years. That’s how long the Ohio River Paddlefest has been inviting outdoor enthusiasts and the adventure-curious to experience the majesty of our region’s most important natural resource by getting out and paddling it. 

Started in 2001 by Brewster Rhoads and friends, the first Ohio River Paddlefest had 99 cheerful paddlers. Since the inaugural year, Paddlefest has grown to involve more than 2,000 paddlers and 250 volunteers annually in a two-day celebration of the Ohio River and outdoor recreation.

In 2016, Paddlefest was coordinated by and benefited Adventure Crew for the first time. At that point, the Crew was still a scrappy, young organization. We were finding our feet and spreading our mission. Hosting Paddlefest allowed us to reach an audience with shared values -- a love and appreciation for the great outdoors -- and aided us in funding our adventure program for city teens. Paddlefest now raises over $100,000 for Adventure Crew each summer. Many of the programs and people you read about in this monthly newsletter are supported by Paddlefest funds. It is our largest community program and our greatest opportunity to grow the Crew.

Anniversaries come and go. In the blink of an eye we’ll be celebrating the 30th Ohio River Paddlefest. What will remain from this year, like past years, are the memories we make together on the river and the collective impact we have on the lives of teens through the Crew.

Be a part of Paddlefest history and Adventure Crew’s growth by joining us on the Ohio River for our paddle on Saturday, August 7. The event has a few special features to commemorate our 20th year. Check them out and make plans to join on the Ohio River for the nation’s largest paddling celebration.

Paddlefest returns to the Ohio River on August 7, 2021.