Organizers of the Boone Bash River Dash, set for June 21, said there are some changes ahead for the annual canoe and kayak event that they hope will encourage more people to take part.

Gone are the timed races on the Boone River, according to Brian Stroner. Also absent this year is the Iowa Games Adventure Race.

“This year, we’re changing things up a bit. We’re going to try to capitalize on the number of people who use the river every weekend,”?he said.

Stroner said it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of people in canoes, kayaks, tubes or other floating devices cruising down the Boone River on a summer weekend.

“This is a chance for those folks to get involved with the event and for a small entry fee, possibly win some prizes,”?he said.

This year’s?Boone Bash will feature a poker run.

“And it’s not only for those using the river, anybody walking or biking or even skateboarding the Boone River Trail can take part in the poker run and possibly win prizes,”?he said.

Those taking part will travel via river or trail to Briggs Woods, where shuttles will be available to take them back to Webster City.

“Or those biking or walking may choose to ride back,”?he said.

Registration will be held at Riverside Park beginning at 9 a.m. At the beginning of the event, participants will be given their first poker card. They will have three other stops along the river or on the trail to collect three more cards. The final card will be given out at the end of the route.

In order to be eligible for the prizes, participants must finish the route by 3 p.m. The best poker hand will win a prize in each of the three divisions – river participants, bikers or hikers.

Stroner said there are some nice prizes including cabin rentals at Briggs Woods Park.

What hasn’t changed about the Boone Bash is the pristine scenery along the way.

“The Boone River is special in that it’s very scenic. There’s not a lot of development along its banks,”?he said. “So it’s peaceful and feels like you’re out in the middle of a wilderness.”

Stroner said the Boone River was the very first protected water in the state of Iowa.

“When they make that designation, they look at the scenery, wildlife, historical and cultural aspects,”?he said. “

Time to build a boat

Another popular Boone Bash event, the cardboard regatta, also returns with a couple of changes. This year, instead of Briggs Woods Lake, the event will be held at the Webster City Municipal Pool beginning at 9 a.m.

Those taking part in the cardboard regatta construct a boat using only corrugated cardboard, duct tape, contact glue, paint and accessories. No flotation devices, styrofoam, wood or other buoyant materials can be used. Prizes are awarded in a variety of categories for the regatta.

Last month, repeat regatta winner Steve Struchen conducted a class on boat building for those wishing to learn. Struchen will not be racing this year, but has agreed to serve as a judge.

For more information on the regatta along with boat building tips, stop by the chamber office or call 832-2564.

Stroner said the Boone Bash would conclude with the annual community-wide picnic at Twin Parks. Food, music and entertainment will be available and there will be games and activities for children. The awards from the day’s events will also be presented at Twin Parks.