Ridgefield will celebrate both National Trails Day and the 11th annual Big Paddle event at its waterfront and downtown on Saturday, June 4.
The event will start with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., which will show off the Ridgefield Dragon Boats, followed by Chicamarimba, an eight-women marimba ensemble, a news release stated. There will then be a guided paddle with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe at 11:30 a.m., or an open paddle on the water in the afternoon. Riders will float along the banks of Lake River, the release stated.
Besides the boating, the event will host a multitude of other activities like a hike through the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., or beach games and kids crafts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There’s also a free raffle for paddlers, as well as an appearance from the Ridgefield Raptors baseball team and their mascot Rally the Raptor, the release stated. The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce will host a beer garden serving local brews from Ridgefield Craft Brewing Co. There will also be local food trucks like Smokin’ Franks BBQ, Steakburger on the Go, and The Doghouse.
Local fitness coach MKelevate will host a free yoga class at 12:30 p.m. Mats will be provided. The release stated the festival will offer a free “kayak check.” Boaters can drop off their kayak until they’re ready to leave.
As for downtown, Ridgefield First Saturdays at Overlook Park will host the farmers market and First Saturday vendors, the release stated. The Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library will also host a used book sale at the Ridgefield of Community Library. A free passenger trolley will be available to transport people back and forth between the waterfront and downtown between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the release.
Registration for paddles is required. It costs $5 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/big-paddle-festival-tickets-288786346737.
The first 200 registrants will receive Big Paddle swag bags at check-in. People can also register the day of the event for $5 for the Big Paddle and open paddle as well. Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rentals must be registered separately onsite from Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. More information about the event can be found online at ridge fieldwa.us/big-paddle. Vendors can sign up at ridgefieldwa.us/things-to-do/community-events/first-sat urdays/first-saturdays-vendor. Anyone who wants to volunteer at the event can also sign up at ridgefieldwa.us/residents/get-involved/volunteer.
