The inaugural Rockin' & Raftin' paddle festival will serve as North Augusta’s summer kick-off on Saturday, June 4 in Riverside Village. Rockin' & Raftin' will be hosted by Mayor Briton S. Williams and was formulated based on citizen input. The event will include paddling and raft races on the Savannah River, a curated group of exhibitors, and live music at the Sharon Jones Amphitheater. There is a small entry fee for the races, but the festival and live music will be free to the public. “Rockin' & Raftin' is a celebration of the Savannah River along South Carolina’s riverfront, the City of North Augusta! It’s where water and outdoors enthusiasts come together and share their passion for the river,” said Mayor Williams.
The event will be a collaborative effort with the Augusta Rowing Club, the City of North Augusta, and North Augusta Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The centerpiece of Rockin' & Raftin' will be 250-meter races for kayaks, SUP’s, and “custom rafts” on the Savannah River. Along the riverbank, festival goers will find food trucks, and outdoors-oriented exhibitors. An awards ceremony will be held at Sharon Jones Amphitheater immediately following the races. Festivities will close out with a free concert in the amphitheater featuring the Mason Jars.
