In downtown Ridgefield, visitors can experience Ridgefield First Saturday at Overlook Park with the Ridgefield Farmers Market and First Saturday vendors
RIDGEFIELD – Ridgefield is celebrating National Trails Day and the 11th Annual Big Paddle with festivities at the waterfront and downtown on Sat., June 4. Area residents can join in the fun at the Big Paddle in Ridgefield.
At the waterfront, participants can enjoy the Big Paddle on a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard in the morning, a Guided Paddle with Alder Creek Kayak at 11:30 a.m., or the Open Paddle in the afternoon. The opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. to kick off the day with an awakening of the Ridgefield Dragon Boats. Then, those in attendance can enjoy the sounds of Chicamarimba, an eight-woman marimba ensemble, as you paddle along the banks of Lake River.
When not on the water for the Big Paddle, visitors can join a guided hike through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., or find beach games and kids crafts from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The first paddlers return at 11 a.m. and the Paddler’s Celebration begins with live music continuing from Chicamarimba, and a free raffle for paddlers.
Rally the Raptor and Raptors players will welcome returning paddlers. The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Beer Garden will serve local brews from Ridgefield Craft Brewing Co., and local food trucks Smokin’ Franks BBQ, Steakburger On the Go, and The Doghouse will be on hand.
Visitors can also join local fitness coaches MKelevate for a free yoga class (mats provided) at 12:30 pm. To help paddlers enjoy the festival, organizers are offering a free “kayak check.” Simply drop off your boat in the kayak check and enjoy exploring the land activities until you are ready to head out.
In downtown Ridgefield, visitors can experience Ridgefield First Saturdays at Overlook Park with the Ridgefield Farmers Market and First Saturday vendors. The Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library will also have a Used Book Sale at the Ridgefield Community Library.
Thanks to the Port of Ridgefield, those in attendance can travel between the two event locations on a free passenger trolley from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Registration is required for the paddles. Register ahead of time for $5 on Eventbrite – the first 200 registrations will receive Big Paddle Swag Bags at check-in. Day of registration is available for $5 for the Big Paddle and Open Paddle. Registration does NOT include a rental. Rentals are available onsite from Alder Creek Kayak, but must be reserved ahead of time.
Limited seats are available on large canoes led by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership – registration is on Eventbrite.
Learn more about the event at https://ridgefieldwa.us/big-paddle/. Vendor spaces at Overlook Park are available, visit the Ridgefield First Saturdays Vendor Vendor page for more information and application. Volunteers are needed to make Big Paddle happen. Learn more on the Volunteer Volunteer page.
Information provided by city of Ridgefield.
