Raft Races set for next weekend

40th annual event on tap for Gasquet

It’s a race, and it’s only a mile, but some participants try to take as long as possible to complete it.

The 40th annual Gasquet Raft Race takes place next weekend, and while people may not dress up anymore, or design extravagant floats, the spirit is still the same, said organizers.

“Most people aren’t even interested in winning,” said spokeswoman Eileen Evermore. “Instead it’s all about the fun, being on the river.”

Evermore hastened to add that the race does have its competitive participants.

“The rafts and kayaks in the single-person category go first because they usually are trying to win,” Evermore said. “I mean they go past my house like bullets.”

According to Evermore and organizer Candy Fox, the race quickly becomes a hilarious romp through one of the cleanest rivers in the United States complete with water fights and lots of laughter.

The race starts at noon below the Horace Gasquet Bridge on Gasquet Flat Road on Saturday, July 11, but participants need to be at the roadside registration by 10 a.m.

“It’s required that people are fully registered by 11:30 a.m.,” Evermore said. “After registration they can go right on down to the river and wait for their heat.”

The race is separated into 10 categories based on number of occupants per raft or kayak and age levels. It costs $15 per person and the first place winner gets a trophy.

“Sponsored rafts cost $20 and then $15 per person,” Evermore said.

The mile-long race ends at the Forest Service river access at Highway 199 and the west entrance of Gasquet Flat Road, Evermore said.

Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult, no alcoholic beverages are permitted during the race and life jackets are strongly recommended, Evermore said.

“There will be plenty of micro-brews at the American Legion barbecue after the race, though,” Evermore said. “People usually have a great time.”

The American Legion hosts a barbecue after the race with Taylor’s polish sausages and hot dogs.

Mad River Brewing Co., Six Rivers Brewery and Lost Coast Brewery will all provide beer, and music will be provided by Gemini Entertainment.

“In the lawn next to the American Legion Hall there will be arts and crafts booths,” Evermore said.

The after-race event costs $8.50 per person and is a fundraiser for the American Legion.

“This race has history,” Evermore said. “It’s been going on since approximately 1969, and when I got here in ’74 it was a tradition.”

According to Evermore, the race used to be run by the Women’s Auxiliary of the volunteer fire department as a fundraiser.

“Back then businesses would sponsor floats, people would wear costumes; it was really like a water-born parade,” Evermore said. “There were even categories like best costume and best float. The spirit is still the same though, people just don’t seem to dress up anymore.”

Nearly 25 years ago, third-generation Gasquet resident Candy Fox took over the organization of the race.

“Candy and the American Legion have really kept this thing alive,” Evermore said.

Evermore wanted people to remember that the registration area at Horace Gasquet Bridge would likely be congested.

“People should expect to drop gear and crews off and then go find parking,” Evermore said. “But most of all people should expect to have a lot of fun.”