The acronym "FIBArk" stands for First in Boating in the Arkansas River - originally devised by a group of community members in the 1930's, many of them real estate agents, to draw attention to Salida and give an opportunity for local boaters to demonstrate their paddling skills.
Flash forward to today ... FIBArk is america's longest standing whitewater festival and in recent years, the FIBArk festival has drawn as many as 30,000 people to our small town of Salida, Colorado.
Through partnerships with generous local businesses, passionate individuals, and the City of Salida, FIBArk funds classes and equipment for both river safety and skill building.
The program is designed to introduce river concepts and experiences, teach skills and techniques, facilitate experiences and competitions, and develop lifelong river and river sport advocates.
Schedule of Events:
07:00 am: Pancake Breakfast - Salida Community Center
08:00 am: 10K Road Race - Thonhoff Park
08:05 am: 5K Road Race - Thonhoff Park
08:30 am: Kids Fun Race - Thonhoff Park
09:00 am: Slalom Race Preliminaries - Salida Whitewater Park
09:00 am: Donut Pop up By Rosies Donuts - Boat Ramp
10:00 am: Parade on F Street
11:00 am: Riverside Park and Rides Open
11:00 am: Running Races - Steamplant Pavillion
11:00 am - 2:00 pm: Basketball free-throw Tournament - Sackett Ave and E St.
11:15 am: Vintage Folding Kayak Demonstration - Salida Whitewater Park
11:30 am: Kids Creek Craft Launch - Monarch Spur Trail Creek next to Boat Ramp
12:00 pm: Salida's Got Talent - Riverside Park Stage
12:00 pm: Kids Zone Opens - Riverside Park
12:00 pm: Head to Head Slalom Boater Cross - Salida Whitewater Park
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: ColeTrain Music Pop Up, Kids Zone - Riverside Park
02:00 pm: Slalom Race Finals - Salida Whitewater Park
02:45 pm: Colorado Cup and Freestyle Finals - Boat Ramp Playhole
03:15 pm: MUSIC: Cycles - Riverside Park Stage
04:30 pm: 4Basketball free-throw Finals - Sackett Ave and E St.
05:30 pm: Colorado Cup and Freestyle Awards
05:30 pm: Hooligan Race - Salida Whitewater Park
06:00 pm: MUSIC: Sad Hands - Riverside Park Stage
08:00 pm: Kids Zone Closes - Riverside Park
08:00 pm: MUSIC: The Texas Gentlemen - Riverside Park Stage
10:00 pm: Riverside Park and Rides Close
