Rock River Anything That Floats Race sunk for the foreseeable future
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Rock River Anything That Floats Race, an annual tradition that saw do-it-yourself boat creations set sail through the city, has been docked indefinitely.
Organizers of the race said Wednesday that the event would be canceled for the foreseeable future. A year ago, the group had canceled the race because it lacked enough participants, but the goal was for it to go forward in 2025.
The decision to end the annual event comes two years after its short-lived return. The race set sail in 2023 for the first time since 2019 because it had been halted in 2020 after the pandemic took hold.
“In recent years, however, it became increasingly difficult for the race’s volunteer steering committee to secure the sponsorship and participation support necessary to keep the event afloat,” the group said in a news release. “Like so many post-pandemic cultural traditions, RRATFR has faced tough headwinds – economic, logistical and perhaps generational.”
The tradition dated back to 1976, when it was a “Yanks vs. Brits” raft race held as part of a Fourth of July radio promotion, according to the Rock River Anything That Floats website. The race was later opened up for the public to participate, and at its height it drew an estimated 80,000 people to watch from the banks of the Rock River, according to the website.
The race went dormant for 17 years before returning in 2016, according to newspaper archives. It was revived by a group of civic volunteers and other partners.
“It sailed, it sank – and it sailed again,” organizers said in a news release. “We’re proud to have done our work to carry forward a cherished Rockford tradition, even if this latest voyage now draws to a close. Maybe a new crew of river-loving Rockfordians will dream up what comes next. We hope someone will.”
During its second run, the race served as a fundraiser for a variety of causes and nonprofits such as the Rock River Trail, Rockford Ski Broncs, The Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee, Rockford Park District and Keep Northern Illinois beautiful, among others.
Organizers said the RRATFR.com website will remain online for a short time, and select photo and video archives may eventually live on elsewhere. The group will also keep its social media accounts active for a while longer.
“Not as abandoned digital ghosts, but as ‘In Memoriam’ walls filled with the memories, photos and laughter of races past,” the group said.
“To every rafter, builder, band, volunteer, sponsor and fan: thank you. You made magic out of plywood, barrels and dreams. Maybe we’ll see you on the water someday in the future.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
