Saluda River Rally is June 1-2

The 4^th Annual Saluda River Rally will take place June 1-2, 2013.  After checking in at Dolly Cooper Sports Complex, weekend adventurers will be shuttled to the SC Kayak Fishing Club’s private launch in Pickens County, where they will begin a relaxing 1 – 2 hour paddle/tubing trip to the Dolly Cooper Sports Complex in Powdersville.  Hosted by Anderson County and sponsored by Grady’s Great Outdoors, the 2013 rally will also include other outdoor activities provided by Go Play Outside Disc Golf, Saluda River Archery, Black Sheep RC Club, Breazeale’s Grocery Bluegrass, Chatuga Ridge Bluegrass and Skyscapes of America Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides.

“District 6 is proud to invite everyone to the 4^th Annual Saluda River Rally,” said Anderson County Councilman Ken Waters. “2012 marked a monumental step in the 48-mile corridor development with the implementation of the County’s first dedicated kayak launch, but that was just the beginning. The Annual Rally continues to grow, while raising awareness of the many ADA recreational and watersports opportunities on the Saluda River. The County has an incredible vision for the Saluda River, with the completion of Dolly Cooper Sports Complex’s ADA floating kayak launch facility as the first of many steps to enhance the Upstate Blue Trail. I want to personally invite everyone to come out to District 6 and take advantage of this ‘free’ family-friendly event.”

“The 4^th Annual Saluda River Rally sponsored by Grady’s Great Outdoors represents a monumental year,” said Anderson County Parks Manager Matt Schell.  “In 2012, Anderson County completed the first ADA Floating Kayak Launch in the State. It is even more exciting that we are back in 2013 to mark the grand opening of the first ‘fully functioning’ ADA accessible floating kayak launch facility in the State of South Carolina.  Funding and technical assistance were made possible to jumpstart the corridor project by our Legislative Delegation members and SC DNR.  Designed by PLaCE Studios and constructed by locally owned Anders Inc.; Anderson County is proud to return to the ever-improving Dolly Cooper Park and we look forward to another successful event. 

Many local partners such as Grady’s Great Outdoors, Saluda River Grill, Area 14 Special Olympics, Saluda River Rafting, SC Kayak Fishing Club, Piedmont FD, Powdersville Fire Department, Foothills Paddling Club, Werner Paddles, Senior Solutions, The National Parks Service, Go Play Outside, and Cardno ENTRIX help make this rally possible and we are grateful for their continued support as well as many others.  There is much to accomplish within the remainder of the 48-mile corridor however initiative from bordering municipalities, counties, and public / private partnerships continue to develop.  I am personally looking forward to the years to come.”

Sharon Nicometo, one of the organizers with the Anderson County Parks Department stated, “I am very pleased to see both the returning and first-time interest for this year’s rally.  We have been contacted by paddling enthusiasts from SC, NC, GA, TN, and MD.   We even have two Clemson University international students from Nairobi Kenya pre-registered for the event. There is something for everyone this year; kayaking, tubing, fishing, ballooning, camping, listening to bluegrass, practicing on a 9-hole disc golf course, or simply walking about.  We encourage everyone to come out and join us for a colorful and exciting weekend on the river.”

Councilman Waters continued, “We all know someone that has limited mobility and would enjoy a scenic paddling opportunity in the Upstate. This ADA Compliant facility will continue to attract visitors from more than 50 miles, enhancing our reputation as an outdoor and water-sport destination and helping us maintain our position as a front-runner in implementing recreational ADA Compliance.”

Saturday June 1

Saturday’s festivities will take place from 9 am until 5 pm and will feature a 2.6-mile revolving paddle trip from the SC Kayak Fishing Club’s private access in Pickens County. Rally-goers will enjoy bluegrass music, local outdoor/recreation-based businesses, shuttle service, and food vendors. 

Sunday June 2

Sunday’s event will begin at 1 pm at the Dolly Cooper Sports Complex and will feature a single 9-mile paddle from Powdersville to the Saluda River Grill in the Town of Piedmont, with shuttle service back to Powdersville. Rally Wrap-up will begin at 4 pm and will take place at the Saluda River Grill, complete with BBQ and bluegrass. 

This event is free for the public to participate, however, donations will be accepted to benefit Anderson County’s own Special Olympics Athletes.

Participants who do not have their own boats are invited to use kayaks provided by Grady’s Great Outdoors or tubes provided by Saluda River Rafting. Reservations for boats and/or tubes for Saturday’s revolving paddle trips can be made by contacting Anderson County Parks. Participants without reservations will be “first‐come, first served”.

Campsites Available

Additionallly, a limited number of “primitive” campsites will be available at the park on Friday and Saturday nights. Campsites will be located on the ball fields with no paved access to the sites—you will need to travel off-road with you car, truck or van to access your campsite. Move‐in will start Friday at 5 pm.

YOU MUST PRE‐REGISTER FOR A CAMPSITE! Registration form and guidelines can be found on Anderson County Parks Department website at www.andersoncountysc.org/PARKS.

For more information, visit the Saluda River Rally Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saluda-River-Rally/103742326429064?ref=hl, email Matt Schell (mschell@andersoncountysc.org) or Sharon Nicometo (snicometo@andersoncountysc.org) or call 864.231.PARK.