The 2013 Kern River Festival
Hosted by the Kern Valley River Council, a California Non-Profit Organization

Check out the new Kern Festival web site!

Dates: April 20 & 21 ( Saturday & Sunday)

Location: Riverside Park in Kernville, California

Year first held:  1963  This is the 49th year for the Kern River Whitewater Races.

Host: Kern Valley River Council, a California Non-Profit Organization.

Schedule (Tentative):

Friday, 4/19 - Setup (Help appreciated), Registration

Saturday, 4/20 - Slalom practice, Hooligan Boat Parade, Silent Auction, Dinner & Awards. The Brush Creek races have been canceled this year.

Sunday, 4/21 - Triathlon race, T.J. Citizen Slalom & SUP race (Junior Olympic qualifier), Raffle, Awards.

See the Schedule page and PDF for additional activities and information.

Events:

Events include the Hooligan Build Your Own Boat Parade, Downriver Triathlon, and the TJ Classic Slalom & SUP race. The Hooligan Boat, Slalom, and Tiathlon events are being held at Riverside Park in midtown Kernville. All events have easy access for boaters and spectators. The Brush Creek races have been canceled this year.

In its third year, the Hooligan Build Your Own Boat Parade (PDF) was inspired by the FIBArk River Festival event that builds a boat “using anything that floats, but is not a boat.” Saturday afternoon Hooligan Boat captains will attempt to paddle their creations from the bottom of Ewings rapid, past the bridge, and down through all the Riverside Park rapids.

We’ve expanded our BIATHLON to a TRIATHLON (PDF)! It includes an 8-mile ride from Kernville to Wofford Hts and back, a two-mile run from Riverside Park to the Powerhouse Put-in, then a two-mile paddle-as-fast-as-you-can run back to the Park. Participants may enter to do all legs, or form a team with different members doing each leg. Classes will be for plastic, race, inflatable boats and SUPs; men or women; and teams or single persons.

One night FREE camping will be available for all registered boaters (except Hooligan) at Camp Kernville, the official Campground for the Festival. Pick up a camping voucher when you register. All Festival campers MUST check-in at the Camp Kernville office upon arrival. Additional nights, Hooligan racers, and non-registered persons cost $5 per night. Spaces are limited in number of campers. One vehicle per 2 guests allowed. Extra vehicle pass is $5 per day.

There’s a Dinner Saturday evening following the Hooligan Parade at Riverside Park, with a beer garden, dinner and awards. The Festival Silent Auction will be on Saturday, and Raffle on Sunday.

Everyone is invited to come to the Festival and be a part of this long-running whitewater tradition! There is no charge to view any of the events. Sponsor and vendor booths will be setup in Riverside Park throughout the event. Come check out all the latest boats, paddling and outdoor gear!

Sierra Cup Slalom Series

The Kern Festival TJ Slalom is the first event of the Sierra Cup Slalom Series.

For Additional Information Contact:

For general information, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, etc, contact Terry Valle at (818) 340 -3083, email: info@kvrc.org.  For rafting information and volunteering, contact Sierra South (760) 376-3745.  Website info:  http://www.kernfestival.org

2001 Rodeo Finals - Under the Lights (Click for Larger Image) Kern River Festival Photos  Kern River Festival Results

© 2001-2012 Kern Valley River Council