WEST POINT – On Saturday, May 5, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) and the City of West Point will host the third  annual Chattahoochee Valley River Rally — a three-mile paddle trip and river celebration. The event will kick off at 5 p.m. with the launch of kayaks, canoes and paddle boards at Hardley Creek Park.

Once paddlers reach the Downtown River Park in West Point, all from the community are welcome to join for free, family-friendly festivities from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A celebration of the health of the river and CRK’s work in the community, the event has also become a showcase for the growing river scene in West Point and the Chattahoochee Valley region.

Jontavious Willis and Jake Xerxes Fussell will headline the music that evening. Both acclaimed musicians and local to the Chattahoochee Valley region, their music has its roots in country blues and Americana folk. Also joining them will be the Front Porch Collective and a LaGrange-based community drum group to round out an evening of music along the banks of the Chattahoochee.

There will be local food to enjoy as well as artwork on display.    

The paddle registration fee is $25 for adults and $20 for students (anyone under 21). Ticket prices are discounted until April 28. Registration includes shuttle service, on-the-water paddle guides and two Sweetwater beers for adults once they’ve finished the paddle.

Participants must register at www.chattahoochee.org/cvrr. Boats are not provided, please bring your own or reserve a rental boat from GLL Outdoors at their location in West Point (706) 645-3584.

Throughout the evening there will also be opportunities to meet CRK staff and learn how they serve the community through education programs like the West Point Lake Floating Classroom and Neighborhood Water Watch — a citizen-based water monitoring program.

Other advocacy organizations and outdoor groups such as Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, LaGrange Sierra Club and the Newnan Paddlers will have information available as well. The grass lawn will be open for picnics and games and the splash pad will be ready for the kids. Contact Henry Jacobs at hjacobs@chattahoochee.org or call (706) 882-3701 for information on booth fees and sponsorship opportunities.