Laredo’s RioFest Planning and Promotion Underway
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 13, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
(Laredo, TX –) Laredo’s RioFest is on the lips of nearly everyone in the paddling community. The big splash made two years ago with the international race held in Laredo was missed last year because of the disastrous flooding in the area. The bigger and better version of RioFest will be rolled out on October 14 and 15, 2011. Planning is already underway for this very unique private-public festival that honors the Rio Grande.
A team of interested volunteers and the city of Laredo ventured to the Buffalo Bayou Regatta in Houston, Texas the weekend of March 12-13, 2011 to support the Team RioFest Racing. The racing team is unique in its participation in races across the country and did well by placing 4 competitors in winning places amongst the more than 450 participants in the Houston Regatta. Logan and Kyle Mynar were top contenders in the K-1/surfski class with Kyle taking 1st place and Logan a few places behind. Joy Emshoff and Holly Orr won the women’s recreational canoe class and was 2nd overall in the class of 80 boats. That is very impressive when you consider competition in a mixed class.
The reputation for the area’s upcoming October celebration of the river continues to shine and a buzz is building in the paddling community. At the Laredos RioFest booth during the race, Assistant City Manager Jesus Olivares, observed, “The excitement is visible when Laredo is mentioned. RioFest will be a much larger event with many more participants this year.” The City of Laredo delegation led by Olivares also included Parks and Recreation Director Baldi Guzman and also members of the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The internationally recognized RioFest race runs 33 miles along the beautiful Rio Grande. Competitors in Houston who had participated in the past, commented on the beauty of the region. Of course, they also commented on it being one of the largest cash purses to win for a paddling competition.
Festival organizer, Julie Tijerina, said, “Competitors like to come because of our attention to details in the race, this year they will also be invited to bring their families for many activities planned for the day. Our events is more than just a race, it is a celebration of our shared river.”
Team Laredo’s RioFest Racing was led by Bob Zachariah, President of Laredo Hotel and Lodging Association and included our Head Judge Bob Spain, Julie Tijerina, Viky Garcia, and six competitors.
Team Laredos RioFest Racing was well received at the Buffalo Bayou Regatta. In a smart and unique marketing effort, Laredos Rio Fest was a primary sponsor of Buffalo Bayou Regatta. And members of Team RioFest Racing will be entering river races all across America, Canada and South America promoting not just the race but the City of Laredo. No other river race has official competitors entering races all across the globe; and taking top prices home!
For more information, please visit the www.laredoriofest.com.
