CCASW planning fourth annual Creek Run Festival

 

By Christa Jennings

Senior Staff Writer

The Coosa County Association of Scenic Waterways is busily planning for the fourth annual Creek Run Festival, a one-day float along Hatchet Creek.

The CCASW Board met last Friday morning to begin discussing plans and organizing for this year’s event, as well as conduct standard business.

In Board business, the Board unanimously approved acceptance of Sheldon Hutcherson’s resignation as president; nominations for Michael Howell as president, Matthew Reams as vice president and Tasha Howell as secretary and treasurer; and accepting Wendy Cruse as a new Board member.

Regarding plans for the Creek Run Festival, Reams made a motion to hold the event the Saturday after Mother’s Day, and to continue holding the float on that day going forward. The motion was unanimously approved, making this year’s event May 16.

While in years past the association has had options for registration for the float only, or float registration with membership to the association, this year the Board approved only offering tickets for the float itself.

The Board approved setting the ticket price at $40 for the float. Last year there were 79 registrants, and for this year the Board decided to limit it to 80 registrants.

Once again participants will receive a Creek Run Festival T-shirt, and the registration deadline to guarantee a shirt in their size is May 1. After that registrants are not guaranteed a shirt. This year’s shirts will be charcoal gray for floaters and red for CCASW Board members.

The event will also include door prizes and giveaways once again, with exact prizes being determined. The Board discussed giving away two outdoor bags valued at $40 each, to include items such as sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, first aid kit, cord, and more. The Board also mentioned giving away a $40 RTIC or similar cup and is considering a fishing pole.

After discussion, the Board unanimously approved a spending limit of $300 for door prizes, with the amount to be adjusted if needed.

Each participant in this year’s float will once again receive a goody bag, to include their T-shirt, dry bag, cell phone protector, snacks, and other items, with items subject to change as the Board meets and finalizes plans.

During discussion, Board Member Tasha Howell said that she would reach out to prior sponsors and check about potential new sponsorships for this year’s event.

Participants in this year’s float can once again look forward to enjoying barbecue sandwiches and chips from Triple R Cafe at the end of the float, along with bottled water provided by the CCASW Board.

The Board also approved not having live music this year, but rather to set up speakers to play music instead.

The float will follow the same route as years past, with launch at Kings Bridge near Rockford and take-out at Double Bridges near Richville. A shuttle service will be provided by the CCASW Board between the two points.

The kayaking/canoeing trip is estimated to take approximately six hours and will give participants the opportunity to enjoy a scenic trip with Cahaba lilies, waterfalls and breathtaking views.

The float is for ages 12 and up, and all individuals under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. First responders sand safety paddlers will be on site to assist in the safety of all participants.

This is a rain or shine event, and the registration price includes a meal at the end of the float, shuttle service and the gift bag.

There will be two launch times, with first launch at 7 a.m. and the second launch at 8 a.m. Participants will receive an email the week prior to the float informing them of which time to arrive at the launch site.

With a limit of 80 registrants, tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Those interested in participating in this year’s float can scan the below QR code to register and buy tickets online or click here. Follow the association’s Facebook page, Coosa County Scenic Waterways, for updates.

The next meeting of the CCASW Board will be held at 6 p.m. March 23 at the E-911 building to further plan for this year’s Creek Run Festival.