Surprises in store at fifth annual Yagatta Regatta

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Event organizer Bob Johnson has a few surprises planned for the fifth annual Yagatta Regatta whitewater event in Glenwood Springs.

And the only way to find out what they are is to be at Two Rivers Park Saturday.

"I'm nervous and excited," Johnson said. "The word's getting out there. It's going to be a fun time."

The fun begins at 11 a.m.

This year, the whitewater event benefits Operation Vacation. Johnson created Operation Vacation to offer military personnel all-expenses-paid trips to Glenwood Springs.

Whitewater Rafting - an Operation Vacation sponsor that provides complimentary raft trips for soldiers and their families - is again onboard to offer guided and nonguided trips during Saturday's raft flotilla. Whitewater has sponsored the Yagatta Regatta every year since its inception. The event began as a benefit for Cooper Corner Adult Day Center, which closed its doors in the beginning of the year.

"We've always participated because of the group being benefited," said Susi Larson, Whitewater Rafting operations manager. "Operation Vacation ... we've always supported them, and since we've regularly supported the Yagatta Regatta, we said, 'Oh, perfect.' It's just an all-around fun, laid-back event."

Those needing rafts and raft guides should call Whitewater Rafting at 945-8477 to register. Private rafters should also register (at no cost) by Friday to participate in the raft flotilla-costume contest. Launch from Grizzly Creek is at 11:30 a.m. Those requiring Whitewater Rafting services should meet at the boathouse, located at 2000 Devereux Road, by 10:30 a.m. Rafts will float from Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers Park, where festival entrance is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.

"We hope everyone comes out," Larson said.

The family-friendly event also offers live music by The Nacho Men, The Sirens, Acoustic Mayhem, and Frank Martin and The Postmark Band, as well as beer tastings, food vendors, an art exchange and children's activities.

A new feature of this year's regatta is the kayak race. Registration takes place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Two Rivers Park. Preregistration is at Glenwood Canyon Kayak, 100 Midland Ave., Suite 240, or by calling 928-9949.

"The $25 ( race entry fee) includes entry into the park, and proceeds benefit the Whitewater Park and Operation Vacation," said Brian Wright, Glenwood Canyon Kayak co-owner. "It's a good double benefit right there. Should be a fun day."

With plenty of surprises.



Contact April Clark: 945-8515, ext. 16601
aclark@postindependent.com



Post Independent, Glenwood Springs, Colorado CO

River revelry • Who: whitewater fans and the general public • What: fifth annual Colorado Yagatta Regatta • When: Saturday, June 2 (festival gates open at 11 a.m.; raft launch at 11:30 a.m. at Grizzly Creek Rest Area; kayak race registration 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Two Rivers Park) • Where: Two Rivers Park • How much: Raft rental: $35/guided, $25/nonguided; no cost for private rafters; kayak race: $25 (includes festival entry); festival entry: $10/adults, $5/children 12 and younger • Registration: Required for all boaters. Rafting: Whitewater Rafting, 945-8477; kayak race: Glenwood Canyon Kayak, 928-9949 • Information: e-mail bob@operationvacation.org, call 945-1010 or visit www.glenwoodwhitewaterpark.org