This year’s 4th Annual Suwannee River Paddle for Autism will take place on Saturday, April 25, beginning at the Hal Adams Bridge on SR 51 in Mayo at 9 a.m. 

For the fourth straight year, organizers have collaborated to bring the Suwannee River Paddle for Autism to Lafayette County. Proceeds from the event will go to the University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) for autism services in the Lafayette County area. Dr. Greg Valcante is the CARD director.

Kayakers and canoeists are invited to join the procession of boaters for a 3-4 hour leisurely trip along the beautiful Suwannee River to their final destination at Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort and Campground.

There will be free entertainment at the resort from 12-5 p.m. with Lucky Mud and the Saltwater Cowboys on the musical lineup, as well as a $10 raffle donation for a chance to win a grand prize 12 foot Ocean Kayak Caper with seat and paddle. Second prize is a YETI Tundra 45 cooler.  Third prize is a 2 night stay in a log cabin at the Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort and Campground.

“There is still a lot of work to do to help autistic children, their families, and their schools and teachers,” said organizer Peggy Grill of Mayo. 

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about one in 68 children born today has some form of autism – with autism in boys being four times more prevalent.  

“We have over a dozen students in Lafayette county with this disorder,” Grill said. “We’ve raised over $10,000 in the last three years. We have been able to purchase iPads for students, an electronic smart board for the classroom and fund attendance at regional autism conferences.”

Grill said the free concert and event held at the Suwannee River Rendezvous and Campground in Mayo is a family affair with lots to do for everyone.  

“The weather should be wonderful, so even if you don’t paddle on the river, y’all come out and have a fun time with us!”

For more information about the event, visit their Facebook page or call 386-294-3322.