Boatnik is an annual festival held in Riverside Park in Grants Pass, Oregon over Memorial Day Weekend for more than 60 years. There is no admission to attend Boatnik and there are many activities and shows for all ages. There are additional activities available for purchase including the Davis Shows Carnival, concert, and Boatnik Brewfest. The best part...ALL of the proceeds from the event are donated throughout the year to children and youth-based organizations in Josephine County!
The activities start Thursday evening with the Davis Shows Carnival featuring food, rides, games and family fun. The excitement continues Friday with the concert, a spectacular fireworks display on the river, midway vendors, and the carnival. Saturday morning features the well-known Boatnik parade that travels through downtown Grants Pass and ends at Riverside Park. Throughout the weekend the festivities continue in the park where there are a whirlwind of activities that include: Sprint and Drag boat racing, carnival rides, arts and crafts, children's activities, Bingo, food vendors, Monday Sundaes, the Boatnik Brewfest, the Chevy Drive It Home Golf Shoot Out and a second night of patriotic fireworks. Monday is the highlight of Boatnik featuring the World Famous Tom Rice Memorial White Water Hydroplane Race, and the Memorial Day Service including a jet flyover.
Thousands of locals and visitors from around the world come to share the tradition and unique experience of Boatnik.
Schedule of Events:
10:00 am - 11:30 am - Hydroplane warm-ups
11:00 am - 4:00 pm - Boatnik sponsor tent
11:00 am - 4:00 pm - Boatnik refreshment garden
11:00 am - 7:00 pm - Davis Shows Carnival & Midway booths
11:30 am - 12:00 pm - Memorial Day Ceremony (with flyover)
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm - Tom Rice Memorial Race introductions
1:15 pm - 3:15 pm - Tom Rice Memorial Race
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Bingo @ Riverside Park pavilion
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm - Monday Sundae (Sponsored by Dairy Queen & Umpqua Dairy)
