Low Levels on Fox River Dampen Kayak Event Originally Set for Saturday

The Fox River is flowing at about a tenth of its usual rate for this time of year, so leaders have decided to reschedule the Illinois Whitewater Festival on Saturday.

About 1,000 cubic feet per second of water usually flows through the Fox River during this time of year, according to the 9-year average, said Laura Schraw, Yorkville's Interim Director of Parks and Recreation. The water is presently flowing at or below 100 CFS.

The low flow would present a safety hazard if someone fell out of a boat into too-shallow water, Schraw said.

"On Saturday, the will be open, and they can do one-on-one lessons in the upper pool of the chute and flat water kayaking upstream from the course," Schraw said. "People can go through the chute on tubes, but large groups of boaters are not advised to travel down the channel."

This will not affect the , though. The BBQ contest will still take place at , with crews cooking ribs throughout the day, a performance by the band Epic starting at 7 p.m. and free admission for the public.

The team with the best ribs (according to the event judges) will win $500, while the second-place team will receive $300 and the third $200. Members of the public also can vote for the most popular ribs, as well as the team with the "best dressed tent."

Click here for information on being a vendor or exhibitor, as well as information about competing in the event. Click here for the event's page on Facebook.

The festival will be open to the public from noon to 10 p.m. The BBQ will be submitted for judging about 4:30 p.m., and awards will be issued beginning at 6 p.m., according to information posted on the city's website.