PALMER RAPIDS – May 15 marked the start of the annual Palmer River Fest, hosted by the Paddler Co-Op in Palmer Rapids, which ran until May 17.
The event was open to the public, although whitewater courses and events required registration. Camping space was available for attendees on Jessup’s Landing and the Paddler Co-Op grounds, and exhibitors set up shop as guests arrived for the evening.
The weekend had a bit of something for everyone, including a public campfire, children’s activities, yoga classes, and fresh-cooked meals. Food vendors and other exhibitors were also on hand.
Jack Jardeleza, managing director, and Melissa Lindsay, assistant managing director, were the chief organizers for the event, and Jardeleza took a moment to sit down with the Valley Gazette and discuss the history of the co-op and what made the Palmer River Fest special.
The Paddler Co-Op is a not-for-profit corporation that has been running since 1998, founded by Lee Chantrell and Shawna Babcock.
Get your May 20, 2015 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.