On May 22, the Coosa River Basin Initiative plans a big boost to the organization’s efforts to create a 160-mile long canoe and kayak trail on the Etowah River as it hosts its second annual Pig Paddle & Party on the Etowah.

The event is expected to raise the final $2,000 needed for the Rome-based Riverkeeper organization to reach its $20,000 fundraising goal and receive a $10,000 matching grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation in Chattanooga to support the Etowah Blue Trail project.

These funds will be used to create interactive online maps and printed material that will aid local residents and visitors in exploring the Etowah River from canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes and fishing boats.

The Sunday afternoon event includes a six-mile paddle on the Etowah River, a barbecue dinner from Johnny Mitchell’s Smokehouse in Euharlee and a kayak raffle courtesy of Cedar Creek Park. The dinner will be held at the home of CRBI supporters Todd & Dale Carroll.

“This is an intimate fundraiser party that’s intended to get people who have never experienced the Etowah out on the water,” said Joe Cook, CRBI Executive Director & Riverkeeper. “The Carrolls have graciously opened their home and property on the river for our party and paddle launch site and this allows us to provide the perfect paddle trip to introduce people to the charms of the Etowah.”

The paddle trip begins at 3 p.m. followed by the barbecue dinner and canoe raffle.

Tickets are $75 per person or $130 per couple. Tickets include canoe/kayak rental and shuttle services, a year’s membership in CRBI, dinner, drinks and a raffle ticket to win the Cedar Creek Park kayak. Tickets may be purchased at www.coosa.org. The RSVP deadline is Sunday, May 15. For more information, contact Joe Cook at 706-232-2724 or via e-mail at jcook@coosa.org

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