Homemade rafts some made from  “recycled” products will race from Little River Spring to Branford on the Suwannee River in south Suwannee County, Saturday, May 19. Rafts are constructed in such a way that six team members fit wholly onboard with no extremities touching the water, and no mechanical propellers are allowed.  The rafts launch at 10 a.m.

An hour later, a canoe and kayak race will start from the same area at Little River Spring. The rules are a bit simpler for the canoe and kayak race. There are no crew requirements, no mechanical propulsion is allowed, and each crew has to have a personal floatation device.

River conditions are unknown at this time, but rains in Georgia have made the river rise from some near record lows. The May 19 date may see the river flowing rapidly or barely a trickle. Let’s just hope contestants don’t have to carry the vessels all the way down the nearly seven-mile course.

The race, under the leadership of Race Director John Hill and his team of Kiwanians and Rotarians, is in its third year. The Kiwanis Club of Live Oak and the Rotary Club of Live Oak sponsor the races with participation by the Town Council of Branford and other local groups.

“This is a great way to show off our community, our historic river, and hopefully a way to benefit the general community and the local business community,” said Hill.

Trophies will be awarded to raft; canoe or kayak teams with the best time, as well as second place. Rafts have extra categories for Most Innovative and Team Spirit. The Most Innovative raft team will win $100.

For more information including complete rules, registration form and location information, contact JW Hill at 386-362-3300 or see any Rotarian or Kiwanis Club member.