Whitewater events and festivals will be vital to the success of the Skowhegan River Park, as they will attract paddlers and spectators who will not only spend time recreating on the river and trails, but will also shop, eat, play, and stay overnight at locally owned businesses in Skowhegan and Somerset County.

Like other whitewater river parks around the country, Skowhegan’s park will serve as a venue for freestyle paddling and surfing events that will draw people from all over the country to our town. Check out Salida, Colorado’s FIBArk event, an annual celebration of whitewater and outdoor recreation. 

In addition to freestyle events, the New England Slalom Series, a club of the American Canoe Association, hosts 10 races annually, and the organization is always looking for new venues—specifically venues that offer consistent water flow.