2024 ‘Anything That Floats’ Rock River race has been canceled

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The 2024 Rock River Anything That Floats Race has been canceled due to a lack of participation, organizers said Thursday.

“The RRATFR Steering Committee is sorry to announce that, despite our last-ditch efforts to recruit more participants beginning in early July, only one additional raft has been registered, and unfortunately, a previously registered raft dropped out. We cannot hold a satisfactory event with only nine rafts and must cancel the 2024 race,” the organization said in a statement.

The annual race features homemade rafts in the 1.65-mile race down the river, with a grand finish at Prairie Street Brewhouse.

The race has helped to raise donations to support local efforts for the Fourth of July celebration, Rockford Ski Broncs, Rock River Trail Initiative and other area non-profits and charities.

“We remain hopeful for renewed and heightened interest in the 2025 race by both participants and sponsors,” the statement continued.

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