Five Reasons to go ‘Back to the Chatt’

About a decade years ago, supporters, defenders and users of the Chattahoochee River wanted to remind the community again about how the quality of the river had improved under the stewardship of Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Nine years later, the "" has become one of the highlights of the spring and summer festival season. Champion and recreational paddlers launch from Garrard Landing for  an 8-mile race down to the edge of Riverside Park in Roswell, where they join the community for a festival to remember from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Here are the five reasons to go “back to the Chatt” today:

1. Shooting the Hooch. The race includes open and recreational categories, various age divisions, solo and tandem canoe divisions, kayak and sea kayak divisions. But also, new this year, stand up paddle board divisions have been included. The course includes exciting Class I-II rapids and conclude at Riverside Park.
2. Pontoon Boat. Racers and other festival goers can access UCR’s pontoon boat out on the water for a complimentary beer before heading into the park.
3. Sprayground. The Splash ‘n’ Play keeps kids cool and busy with spraying fountains of water for a safe, fun time.
4. Rock and soul. Atlanta artists Gareth Asher & the Earthlings and the Donna Hopkins Band will keep festival goers dancing and singing with their unique blends of rock, soul, folk, blues and country. Gareth calls his music “Sweet Southern Soul,” while Donna, who’s been performing since the age of 14, is known for her blues-guitar wizardry.
5. Roll out the rain barrel. Kids are invited to come paint four rain barrels, which will be raffled off to lucky winners to help them conserve water during the uncertain weather conditions of the summer. It’s also a chance to learn about their value.