Staff Report

ROCKFORD – The 2019 Rock River Anything That Floats Race returns to Prairie Street Brewing Co. this Sunday, Aug. 18.

This year’s race will feature a traditional DIY Division and the new Hulled Division. 

In the Hulled Division, participants can use and decorate hulled craft in any way they wish. That means they may create a raft or just decorate a boat, kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard.

Hulled craft will compete against each other for speed in their own division and against DIY made-from-scratch rafts for the Frank Schier Creativity and Design and People’s Choice awards.  No motors are allowed.

New this year, organizers have partnered with local outdoor retailer and rental shop, Rocktown Adventures, 313 N. Madison St., across from the Prairie Street Brewing Co. finish line. The partnership will allow folks to rent canoes, kayaks or stand up paddleboards and get transportation to the starting line.

Race Day Schedule
10 a.m. – Raft sign-in begins; live radio remote, entertainment, food, and drinks at starting line (Illinois Street near old Coast Guard Station)

11:30 a.m. – Raft race registration ends

Noon – Anything That Floats Raft Race begins

Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Live music on a patrolling barge by The Gilligans 

3- 6 p.m. – Live music by Blind Date at Prairie Street Brewing Co. finish line

3:30 p.m. – Chuck-a-Duck Drop off Whitman Street Bridge

4:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony at Prairie Street Brewing Co. finish line

Prairie Street Brewing Co. is at 200 Prairie Street.