Viewfinder: Paddlers, Festival-Goers Head ‘Back to the Chatt’ in Roswell

More than 270 boats and approximately 350 paddlers raced down the 8-mile course winding from Garrard Landing to Riverside Park in Roswell. during the 9th Annual "Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival" on Saturday.

The race and festival - presented by Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR), National Park Service, Fulton County and the city of Roswell - started with a race that featured a range of skill levels and age divisions — including a first-ever “stand-up” paddle division in answer to the growing trend of paddle surfers. Racers also competed in costuming divisions, including a winning group dressed as characters from the TV show “Gilligan’s Island.”

At the end of the course, racers were greeted with beverages on the UCR pontoon boat before enjoying the free, family-friendly festival at Riverside Park. Live music by the Donna Hopkins Band and Gareth Asher & the Earthlings, dozens of environmental exhibitors and a raffle to win rain barrels that were painted by children who attended the festival were just some of the highlights.

Visit the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper website for complete race results.