Unique water travel featured in the rivertown raft race

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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Nine teams launched their homemade water craft from the boat ramp at Arkoma Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday to compete in the Fort Smith Jaycees Second Annual Rivertown Raft Race.

Jeff Riggs, president of the Jaycees, said the entry numbers were down this year because of the heat and not enough advertising. Last year’s race had 14 teams.

New this year was a modified class after entrants voiced their concerns over last year’s winning craft which was a sleek kayak-type. The main difference between the classic class and modified class is that rafts in the classic category must have a deck that is a minimum of 32 square feet and capable of supporting the weight of the crew. All entries must be homemade and human powered according to the rules.

Team Shell was the only entry in the modified class.

The team from Ronald Ragon Realty improved their status this year with a first place finish, trophy and $500. Last year they finished in third place. Team Razorback, last year’s winner, slipped to second place and team Big Kahuna, in their Hawaiian-themed raft, took third place honors. Trophies were awarded to second and third place teams.

Two private power boats and two inflatables from the Crawford County Search and Rescue Team shadowed the rafters on their journey in case of any safety issues.

The entry fee per team was $25 if paid before July 15 and $45 up until the day of the race. Corporate sponsorship contributed more than $1,000 to the event which benefitted the Children’s Emergency Shelter, Riggs said. Each year the Jaycees will choose a different community organization to benefit from the event.

Novus Glass of Fort Smith sold barbecue at Harry E. Kelley Park — the finish line for the almost 4-mile long race.

The Bannister Brothers band performed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the acoustical section of Judge Parker performed thereafter. The event was free to spectators attending the music at the park. The Jaycees did accept donations and also raised money from the sale of the barbecue.