CRBI's River Revelry Rolls Into Town Next Week

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River Revelry-A Biodiversity Bash, the Coosa River Basin Initiative’s annual end-of-summer party, returns next week to the banks of the Coosa River in Rome.

The event, which is set for Aug. 22, celebrates the river’s unique creatures, including the humans that are using the river in record numbers.

“Coosa River communities are rediscovering our rivers,” said Amos Tuck, CRBI Riverkeeper. “The efforts of CRBI and local governments to improve access to our rivers by building boat ramps and canoe and kayak launches is resulting in record numbers of people using our rivers.”

New businesses, from paddleboard retailers to canoe and kayak outfitters, are also ushering in a river renaissance, according to CRBI.

“Euharlee Creek Outfitters in Euharlee is reporting a record year,” said Tuck. “And River Dog Paddling Co. in Rome has made the sight of a paddleboard on our rivers commonplace.”

Three CRBI float trips in late July and early August attracted more than 220 paddlers.

“River Revelry was originally started to celebrate the 30 aquatic species that are found in the upper Coosa River basin and no where else in the world,” said CRBI Event & Membership Coordinator, Shira Kerce, “But, now it seems humans are in the water almost as much as the fishes and mussels.”

The year’s River Revelry will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 22 at Heritage Park. Tickets are $45 or $40 each for two or more tickets and can be purchased at www.coosa.org/events/river-revelry.

The event will feature live music from Jerry on the Moon, New Belgium beer and Barefoot wine. Patrons will also sample delicious barbecue as restaurants and citizens compete for the title of Best Barbecue in the Basin.

A silent and live auction, boat rides on the river, a float trip down the Oostanaula and Coosa rivers, and a King & Queen Musselhead competition round out the event.

The Come As You Float trip from Ridge Ferry Park to Heritage Park and the River Revelry party grounds is open to any vessel that floats — from a pool raft to inner tubes to canoes, kayaks and rafts. The float will leave Ridge Ferry Park at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge to participate.

In the King & Queen Musselhead competition, couples will raise money for the honor of wearing a crown of mussels at the party. Riverkeeper Amos Tuck, and his wife Sarah, will attempt to defend their reign against challengers, including Blair and Heather Carter, Alan and Rona Crawford and Mike and Connie Sams.

CRBI refers to its members and supporters as “Musselheads” in honor of the 27 species of mussels that are found in the upper Coosa River basin.

Donations to the King & Queen Musselhead contest can be made online at http://www.coosa.org/events/river-revelry/king-and-queen-of-river-revelry.

For more information, contact Shira Kerce at 706-232-2724 or at skerce@coosa.org.

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Photo credit: Coosa River Basin Initiative