FIBArk whitewater festival, or “First in Boating on the Arkansas,” is one of the longest-running whitewater festivals in existence, having kicked off in 1949 with a six-boat race from Salida, Colorado, to Canon City through the Royal Gorge. Check out FIBArk’s long history and drop into Salida June 12-15 to survey the current scene. Here’s my checklist of favorite FIBArk pursuits.
Cheer on the downriver racers
The 26-mile FIBArk downriver raft race is the signature event of the festival, the “longest, oldest, most prestigious, and perhaps the toughest race in North America,” according to the organizers. The course starts at Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (RMOC) in Nathrop and runs through Browns Canyon to the Salida whitewater park. Watch history continue to unfold in rafts, glass boats, composite boats, kayaks, and open canoes. What could go wrong?
Get wowed by the women in whitewater
River sisters, unite! Join in (on the water or as a spectator) on the Women’s Showcase, a river parade for women instructors, guides, and private boaters.  Â
Marvel at the kayak freestylers
Watch the acrobatics at the kayaking freestyle event as boaters tear it up in the Salida Boat Ramp playhole.
Shake your bones to Shinyribs
I saw Austin-based Shinyribs at MerleFest 2024, and can attest that they’ll get you up off your feet with some blues, funk, and horns. The FIBArk music roster is always impressive.Â
Hail the Hooligans
Anything that floats (that is not a boat) is fair game for the Hooligan Race, a fan favorite of FIBArk. Expect to see crafts made of crazy materials, costumes, and a little bit of chaos.Â
Score a FIBArk poster
Each year, the FIBArk crew designates a featured artist who creates the official event poster. This year’s artist is Andrew Dengate, who started life in the suburbs but found his way to Colorado and is now pursuing his art career in Salida. He sees the Arkansas River as a connector: “The river connects us through teamwork, instruction, humility, and sometimes fear. In the end we form these bonds with other humans based on these shared experiences.”
Turn the littles loose at the Kids’ Zone
Geared toward river enthusiasts 8 years or younger, the Kids’ Zone has a big arts-and-crafts tent where kids can create a FIBArk “Moon and Star” ornament, a wooden wiggly snake, or a parade mask.
Run or bike a race
Not just for river runners, FIBArk offers options for footrace enthusiasts, including the Tenderfoot Hill Climb, road races on county roads around Salida, and a 10K trail run. Or hop on your bike for a 20-mile tour through the Arkansas Hills Trails in the FIBike race. Proceeds will benefit Salida Mountain Trails (SMT), which helps maintain trails in Chaffee County.
Take in the parade
Horses, floats, “Hooligan” crafts, monster trucks, and more! When’s the last time you experienced a small-town parade?
Watch the crazy river dogs
Nothing beats watching dogs dive into the river to retrieve various objects. Yes, this might be something you do every day, but here you’ll see different dogs retrieving different things (but mostly sticks).
FIBArk is a fun, warm-hearted festival that hasn’t lost its small mountain town vibe since its start in 1949. Come check it out.
