FIBArk: Whitewater Festival

2023 marks the 75th anniversary of FIBArk, the nation's oldest whitewater festival and Salida's signature event. Since 1949, every June during the Spring snow runoff, Salida has hosted FIBArk, "First in Boating on the Arkansas."

2023 schedule 

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

TIME: EVENT   - LOCATION

8:00 AM: 5K/10K Race - Thonhoff Park 

8:30 AM: Kids Fun Run - Thonhoff Park 

9:00 AM: Slalom Race - Salida Whitewater Park 

10:00 AM: Parade - E St to 2nd 

Take part in the annual FIBArk Whitewater Festival Parade! Register your float, animal, vehicle and more to participate. 

This year's parade theme is "Diamond's are a Parade's Best Friend" as this is FIBArk's 75th Diamond Anniversary. This year's parade will take place on Saturday, June 17th at 10:00am on E Street in downtown Salida. The parade will begin at the intersection of E Street and 6th Street, and will travel to 2nd Street and turn on 2nd toward F St. At 2nd Street, all participants are invited to join the parade leaders, FIBArk Commodores, and special guests for a "Second Line-style" foot parade through the downtown pedestrian zone and into Riverside Park. All vehicles will be asked to turn right (east) on 2nd Street after unloading participants for the foot parade. 

Register Now

11:00 AM: Riverside Park Opens + Running Race + Bike Race Awards - Riverside Park 

11:00 AM: Skills for Billz - Kindergarten Wave 

11:00 AM: Slalom Finals - Salida Whitewater Park 

12:30 PM: Slalom Boater Cross - Salida Whitewater Park 

2:45 PM: Colorado Cup & Freestyle Finals - Salida Whitewater Park 

5:30 PM: Hooligan Race - Salida Whitewater Park 

6:00 PM: Live Music - Iceman Special, Split Window, and Hell's Bells - Riverside Park 

10:00 PM: Riverside Park Closes - Riverside Park  

Festival Dates: June 15-June 18, 2023