The Rock River Anything That Floats Raft Race is about three weeks away, and you have until Aug. 14 to register your homemade raft to compete in the event.

This is the first time the race has been held since 2019.

Aside from the raft race, there is food and live music from Dirty Fishnet Stockings on the docks at Prairie Street Brewing Co. and Dirty Pop on a floating band barge.

Aside from bragging rights, the winner of the race gets their name on a keg that will be displayed at Prairie Street Brewing Co.

“You also get to pick a beer to take home in a nice little growler award that we’ll make for you,” said Reed Sjostrom of Prairie Street Brewing Co.

He and Katy Chadwick of the Rock River Anything That Floats Raft Race joined Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about the event. You can get quick details below and listen to the full podcast at the end of the article.

How to participate

Participants can register at rratfr.com. The registration deadline is Aug. 14. The entry fee for rafts (with hulls or without hulls) is $100 per team (up to 10 crew members).

Fast facts | Rock River Anything That Floats Race

When: Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023 (rain date is Aug. 27)

Where: Rock River from the Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Co., 200 Prairie St., Rockford

Race day schedule

  • 10 a.m.: Check-in starts (all categories)
  • Noon: Race begins at the Auburn Street bridge
  • Noon to 3 p.m.: Release the Quackin’ on the dock at Prairie Street Brewing Co.
  • 4 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Prairie Street Brewing Co.
  • 4 p.m.-6 p.m.: After-party at Prairie Street Brewing Company featuring local band Dirty Fishnet Stockings

Register/volunteer/supporthttps://rratfr.com

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