Join us for the 4th Annual Cheers to Clean Water Celebration and Clean- Up on June 11th, 2022, benefiting the Water Quality Forum! This year, we are headed back to the south waterfront at Suttree Landing Park for the 2022 Tennessee River Paddle-Off to celebrate the amazing resource we have in our backyards, the Tennessee River!

Participants are encouraged to bring a kayak, canoe, or paddle board and take part in a competitive race, or join forces with the The City of Knoxville Waste and Resources Management Office, Ijams Nature Center River Keeper, and other partners to clean-up the river!

There are two route options: from Suttree Landing Park to the western tip of Dickinson Island, or from Suttree Landing Park and going up and around Dickinson Island see route map below. The clean-up crew can go as far as they would like. 

If you need a boat please let us know on your registration - if you are racing- If you would like to help with the clean-up portion we have a limited number of boats for free, to reserve a boat you can email programs@waterqualityforum.org and we can make arrangements to have a water craft for you the day of at Suttree Landing Park.

Following the float is a celebration in the name of clean water at the park featuring local brews, where the beer will be flowing, yard games, local water experts, Music - Grey Ridge Ramblers, and there will be a chance to take home some swag.

With full registration, participants will receive entry to the celebration, race entry, one waterproof cell phone bag, one 16oz steel cup, and 2 drink tickets. Race Only and Kids 12 & under race registrants receive entry to the celebration and race entry,  and one waterproof cell phone bag. Celebration only registrants receive entry to the celebration portion. Celebration + brews registrants receive, entrance to the event, one 16oz steel cup, and 2 drink tickets. Those who want to participate in the clean-up on the river as part of this event receive free entry to the celebration and free rental of a water craft as supplies last (best to email ahead of time). 

Proceeds from this event benefit the Water Quality Forum,  a coalition of diverse partners working together to keep our waters in East Tennessee clean. A portion of the proceeds go directly to WaterFest, the Water Quality Forum’s largest annual education event. The event serves 800 students in kindergarten through third grade, introducing them to water science concepts and engaging them in fun, hands-on activities that teach them about their local water resources and how to protect them. You may help sponsor this event directly by donating money to "Sending a Kid to WaterFest" which helps cover the only cost barrier to the schools: transportation. 

THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. In the event of severe weather, boaters will be required to get off the water as quickly as possible. Dogs are welcome, on leash and well-behaved.
 
IMPORTANT: Parking is VERY LIMITED. Please consider carpooling, cycling, or walking to the event. There is a free lot at 2011 Kay Street and under the James White overpass on Island Home Avenue, both less than a mile from the event. We want to respect our neighbors and not crowd the residential streets. Thank you!