A beloved Tulsa tradition, the Great Raft Race, was resurrected in 2015 after a 23-year lapse. In its former heyday, the event welcomed over 600 rafts, 4,500 racers and 150,000 spectators to the Arkansas River for a hectic yet glorious day of fun.
Now on its third year back, the race welcomes participants in kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, inflatable rafts and even homemade contraptions to lazily float or hastily race down the river. Winners will be named in categories like Best of Show, Best Engineered Raft and Most Creative, so even if yours isn’t the fastest or the best, you’ll get points for flash.
There is a bevy of options for spectators, as well, including a sand castle design challenge and rowdy finish line party complete with food trucks, games and music.
The race is Sept. 4 on the Arkansas River. Visit tulsaraftrace.com for details.
