TULSA, Okla. — To celebrate the unveiling of Zink Lake on the Arkansas River, locals can take to the water in Tulsa's Great Raft Race, join the Big Dam Run, see the world's largest rubber duck, and more.
The four-day event from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 comes from a tradition started in 1973.
Called the "Big Dam Party," the event will showcase all the work done on Zink Lake,including the Whitewater Flume, the Williams Crossing Pedestrian Bridge, boat launching spaces, and Gathering Place's expanded riverfront.
TULSA'S GREAT RAFT RACE
The raft race is on day four of the party.
There will be an untimed river run, a timed river run, and a corporate challenge. There are also options for a combined river race on both courses.
Arguably, the most entertaining race is the Homemade Raft Exhibition at 2 p.m.
At the races' peak there were 600 rafts, 4500 racers, and 150,000 spectators who lined the banks of the Arkansas River from Sand Springs to Tulsa.
WATCH coverage from the 2018 race:
It ran until 1991. After calls to bring the event back, it started again in 2015. However, work on the Arkansas River and the COVID-19 pandemic forced the race to stop—until now.
A spokesperson with Tulsa's Great Raft Race said this:
We are proud to partner with Tulsa Regional Tourism, Gathering Place, River Parks Authority, and Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) to announce the Big Dam Party, an amazing celebration featuring rowing regattas, live music, flume competitions, and the iconic return of Tulsa’s Great Raft Race.
Since its inception in 1973, the Great Raft Race has been a symbol of community spirit and outdoor adventure. With your unwavering support, we revived this beloved event in 2015, and we're thrilled to bring it back once again as part of the Big Dam Party festivities.
BIG DAM RUN
On Aug. 31, Tulsans can be the first to cross the brand-new Williams Crossing Pedestrian Bridge in a one-mile fun walk or run.
To sign up, click here.
MORE FUN
For those looking for a more relaxing weekend, there will also be live music and food trucks.
Here's a list of performers:
- Hanson
- Agalisiga Mackey
- Bobby Eaton
- Branjae
- Casii Stephan and the Midnight Sun
- Chris Combs
- Hot Toast
- Joleen Brown
- Keyland
- King Cabbage Brass Band
- Paris Chariz & World 45
- Paul Benjamin
- Steph Simon
- TMC Records
- Tulsa Indian Club Intertribal Singers
- Danny Boy O' Connor
The list of food trucks is still to be announced.
The World's Largest Rubber Duck will also make an appearance at the river, standing over six stories.
To learn more about the event and how to get involved, click here.
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