The Rock River Raft Race NFP board proudly announces the return of an area favorite: The annual Rock River Anything That Floats race and a date for the 2023 raft race: August 20, 2023. Each year, more than 50 homemade rafts float down the heart of Rockford from the Auburn Street bridge to Prairie Street Brewing Company for an afternoon of fun, resulting in significant donations raised to benefit local organizations. 

Event details for the fifth annual Rock River Anything That Floats Race (RRATFR) returning to the Rockford region Sunday, August 20, 2023 (rain date is Sunday, August 27) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. can be found at the website: rraftr.com. The organizing board leads the race with the help of many individuals in the community, volunteers and sponsors.

The RRATFR 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. In the four previous years, the event was widely attended and collectively generated $20,000+ in proceeds to benefit these charities. 

New to this year’s race is the “Release the Quackin’” where participants can launch a rubber duck toward a target in the middle of the Rock River for a chance to win prizes.

Also announced were plans to keep the hulled and DIY raft categories with first, second, and third prizes for speed as well as one People’s Choice and ‘Frank Schier Design and Creativity’ Judges’ Choice awards to determine the most creative designs. Local area businesses, clubs, students and other groups of individuals are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of this fun team-building experience.

Participants can begin registering for the 2023 race on the website at www.rratfr.com. The registration deadline is August 14, 2023. The entry fee for rafts (with hulls or without hulls) is $100 per team (up to 10 crew members). 

Race day schedule of events includes:

 10:00 a.m.: Check-in starts (all categories)

 12:00 p.m.: Race begins at the Auburn Street bridge

 12:00 p.m.--3:00 p.m.: Release the Quackin’ on the dock at Prairie Street Brewing Company

 4:00 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Prairie Street Brewhouse

 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: After-party at Prairie Street Brewing Company featuring local band Dirty Fishnet Stockings

“We’re excited to bring back the annual tradition of the Raft Race to the city. The community has embraced the event which now, in its fifth year, has become another annual event to bring people to downtown Rockford and enjoy the riverfront,” said Amy McIntyre. “One of Rockford’s greatest assets is the river, and we are grateful to be a part of highlighting it.”

The racecourse is 1.65 miles in length and ends in a grand finish at Prairie Street Brewhouse. The scenic course offers a variety of viewing options for the thousands of spectators who will attend: Auburn Street Bridge, the Whitman Street Bridge, and along the Rock River Recreation Path.

It takes many, many volunteers to put on an event like the Rock River Anything That Floats Race. The board is looking for people interested in numerous roles to make this event a success, from planning in advance, to assisting with rafts entering the water and helping clean up the riverfront. Come be part of the crew! Visit the “VOLUNTEER” tab at www.rratfr.com to sign up and help.

The board is also looking for corporate partners to help support this event. If you are interested in being part of this great community event as it grows, contact info@rratfr.com for more information. 

About The Race

Initially launched in 1976 (U.S. Bicentennial) as a US. vs. Brits race, after two years with only two teams, it was opened to the public. More than just an homage to the incredibly popular raft races of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s - the all-new Rock River Anything That Floats Race will be a brand new tradition for generations of Rockfordians to love and experience. Additional event details can be found at www.rratfr.com.