Float Fest Grants Pass

Float Fest Grants Pass..

is an eagerly anticipated community event that invites everyone to navigate down the beautiful Rogue River in “whatever floats your boat.” On August 24th, 2024 immerse yourself in this unique and exciting experience while we drift together through the heart of Grants Pass. At the take-out you’ll be greeted by an outdoor recreation-focused festival with food trucks, games, activities, and music for the whole family.

This event isn't just about having fun in the great outdoors, it is a fundraising effort to bring workforce development and outdoor recreation opportunities to young people in our community. Register for the poker float to participate in Southern Oregon’s first ever, floating “poker run” and a chance to win cash prizes! We also have a great line up of fantastic items donated by our local businesses to raffle off. In partnership with Project Youth Plus, Rogue Ridge, and Joe’s Place, our local youth will receive hands-on, real world, outdoor experience while learning the trades and the preservation of our beautiful forest.

One of the standout features of Float Fest is its focus on outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Participants are encouraged to keep the river clean by using biodegradable materials and participating in river clean-up efforts. Through these initiatives, the festival not only provides a day of fun and adventure but also instills a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

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Event Details

Welcome to the First Annual Grants Pass Float Fest & Poker Run! Collect cards as you paddle down on “whatever floats your boat” for a chance to win cash prizes. This is not a race so enjoy your time with your friends, family, co-workers, and community as you make your way to the take-out (Schroeder Park) where food trucks, raffle, swimming, floating, music, and festivities will take place.

The Poker Run is managed by the Aces Poker Run App and is only $25 to register. Not floating? That’s ok! You can still participate in the Poker Run game and festivities at Schroeder Park. (contact me to ask how to register for the Poker Run game without floating.)The Float Fest Festival and float itself are free and open to all ages in the community. (Parents are responsible for minors.) Rain or shine, the event will go on! If the event is canceled due to unseen circumstances (wildfires, natural disasters, river closures, emergencies, etc.) we will perform the poker tournament remotely via app/internet. A shuttle back to the put-in (Riverside Park) will be provided for $5 per person/per ride (children under age 5 free). Shuttle tickets may be purchased at put-in and take out. A trailer will be provided for floating supplies (life jackets, tubes, kayaks, small rafts) however they must be completely deflated before loading. The Float is an average of 45 minutes on an ordinary day depending on the water levels. Floaters must adhere to the state marine board regulations while participating in the event. More info here: (https://www.oregon.gov/.../river-recreation-toolkit.aspx)

Floating will begin at 11am. (Registration begins at 9:00am) Floaters can enter the water any time prior, if you have already registered for the event. Poker Float participants will receive a water-resistant cell phone case with lanyard at registration. (We are not responsible for lost, damaged, or wet phones due to the malfunction or lack of effectiveness of the case.) All other floaters may enter the water at any time. This event is to help in the efforts to provide youth outreach and workforce development opportunities in our community. Youth will be gaining real-world work experience by building outdoor recreational spaces for camping, mountain biking, hiking, river access, and other outdoor activities while learning practical pre-trades and valuable skills!

This is our first annual event and coordinated in a very short period of time. There will be some trial & errors as well as some learning curves so please be patient with the process. We have great hopes and ideas for not only next year but the years to come. Looking forward to gathering for this community festival that will provide another activity/recreational event for the city of Grants Pass (and surrounding cities) to participate in.

POKER RUN PRIZES (Need not be present to win)
1st place $250.00
2nd place $100.00
3rd place $50.00

RAFFLE DONORS (Need to be present to win prizes)
*updated daily
• SOTAR
• RIVERDANCE RAFTING
• WHITEWATER COWBOYS
• ROGUE RIDGE
• BIKEKRAFT
• WILDLIFE IMAGES
• BRIDGE CITY CLEANING
• HELLGATE JETBOAT EXCURSIONS
• TUCKERS BARBER SHOP
• TRACTOR SUPPLY

To Register:
1. Download the Aces Poker Run App
3. Select the “Find Event Tab”
4. Enter “Grants Pass, OR”
5. Select “Grants Pass Float Fest”
6. Create an account
7. Registration Fee is $25
8. Participants are given the option to purchase an extra card for $5 at registration as well as up to and before the 3rd card is dealt (released.)