Combine a day of paddling Downtown on the St. Johns River with two races along the river, an outdoors recreation expo, a film festival and a full schedule of live music and it describes the 2013 River City Challenge and Eco-Festival.
Scheduled 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday at Friendship Park on the Southbank, proceeds from the event benefit the North Florida Land Trust and its efforts to conserve and protect environmentally sensitive land in North Florida.
Joe Crespi, owner of First Coast Outfitters Inc. and the creator of the River City Challenge, said the second edition represents an evolution.
“We got it started last year as a paddle-sports event, then it evolved into a festival because we want to promote eco-tourism in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida,” he said.
Races begin at 11 a.m. in five divisions for male and female paddlers and six categories, ranging from canoes to high-performance kayaks.
Crespi said other activities on the water include kayak fishing demonstrations and paddling clinics.
On the land side of the festival, bike demonstrations and a yoga clinic are on the agenda.
“It’s about getting outside, being healthy and enjoying the natural resources of North Florida,” said Crespi.
Larry Keel & Natural Bridge, Sol Driven Train, Dangermuffin, Ben Prestage and The Mobros are on the live-music lineup.
To kick off the weekend, through a partnership with the Museum of Science & History and Black Creek Outfitters, the 2013 Teva Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour will be screened at 7 p.m. Friday in the museum.
Tickets are available for a $10 suggested donation to the St. Johns Riverkeeper. The donation includes admission to the films, food from High Tide Burrito Co. and beverages provided by SweetWater Brewing Co.
For more details on race registration and workshops, visit rivercitychallenge.org.
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