The 2011 White Salmon River Fest and Symposium was a HUGE success. In the 6th year for the event, more local community members came by for the festivities (including nearly 80 locals on the Community Raft Float!).
We enjoyed the beautiful day watching crazy kayakers huck themselves into chaos, savor a delicious BBQ, learn about Condit Dam and our own White Salmon River, listen to rockin' music into the night, and even watch Sheer Madness Production's event coverage.
Thanks again to all of our awesome sponsors who make this event possible, mostly Wet Planet Whitewater for their continued investment in the White Salmon River community. Additionally, local businesses donated a TON of great gear and schwag for our famous raffle, bringing in even more people to the event. Your continued support make this happen every year!
BZ Falls: Huck Your Meat Competition
Judges prepare for Brendan's entry into BZ Falls.
Our volunteers were great at scoring the event, providing safety, and just hanging out for the fun!
Pre-event talk from organizer Heather Herbeck.
Orion scored big for style, tossing paddle and booking with arms in the air.
Brendan showed some serious potential with his back loop exit attempt.
Mike just went for the plug, and fought well.
Preston was the only competitor to make it out of BZ Falls in his kayak!
The Winner: Trevor impressed the judges with his 60 + second beat-down.
Raffle and BBQ
Big Winner at the Raffle! He got to take home a brand new Jackson Star Playboat!
A big, delicious BBQ meal thanks to Wet Planet volunteers Alexa and Turner!
Symposium
Megan Hooker, with American Whitewater, provided context for the removal of Condit Dam with an overview of hydropower removal projects throughout the country.
Pat Arnold, with Friends of the White Salmon, and Dana Sheffler, with Mt Adams Parks and Recreation District brought together the crowd by inspiring us to build a stronger community and create a home right here on the White Salmon River.
Jeanette Burkhardt, with Yakima Nations Fisheries, provided the crowd with a cultural and historical perspective for hydropower, explaining the history of Native American fisheries on the White Salmon River and throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
Live Music by Richard Tillinghast and Band
After the presentations finished and the final raffle was drawn, the band took the stage to take the festivities into the evening. Who knew that the back porch of Wet Planet could be the perfect venue for music!
