Please read carefully through the following FAQs about Rome’s Big Float! If you have additional questions, please contact us at 706.232.2724 or skerce@coosa.org
FAQs
How do I register?
CLICK HERE to register yourself and your friends or family. For groups of over 25 people, please contact Shira Kerce at skerce@coosa.org
What is the cost?
$25/person for people age 13 and over. Children 12 and under can float for free. If you have a group of over 25 people, contact Shira Kerce for a discounted rate of $20/person.
What is included with my registration?
Every registration includes a tube rental. (If you’d like to bring your own tube, that’s fine too!) Paid participants (age 13 and over) also receive a free tshirt. For children 12 and under, you can purchase a tshirt for $10.
When do I have to register by?
Register by Friday, May 25 to be guaranteed a tube rental and tshirt in your size. After May 25, you will not be guaranteed a tshirt in your size but we will do our best to accommodate. Online registration will close on Thursday, May 31 but day-of registration will be available on Saturday, June 2 from 9-11 am
Do I have to be in a tube?
In order to be counted in the world record attempt, you must be in an inflatable. If you would like to participate in Rome’s Big Float by bringing your own kayak or canoe, that is no problem, but you will not be included in the world record attempt.
Where is registration/check-in on Float Day, Sat. June 2?
Registration and check-in for all participants will be at the Grizzard Park launch site starting at 9 a.m. All registrants should come to Grizzard Park to check in, turn in waivers, receive t-shirts, etc. Southern Street Eats will have breakfast food available for purchase and Rome Middle School Builder’s Club will have concessions (chips, power bars, drinks, etc) as well, so bring some cash with you! We will also have registration/packet pick up at the CRBI office at 5 Broad St. on Friday, June 1 from 4-7 p.m.
Where is parking for the event?
After you check-in, drivers will take their vehicles to the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds for parking. (All passengers will remain at Grizzard Park.) Shuttles will then bring drivers back to Grizzard Park. Shuttles will run from 9:30 – 11:30 am.
How do I get back to my vehicle after the float?
After the float, shuttles will take drivers from Bridgepoint Plaza back to their vehicles at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds. Shuttles will run from 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
Where exactly does the float start and end?
The float will begin at the Grizzard Park boat ramp off of the bypass, and end at the steps on the Oostanaula up to Bridgepoint Plaza. CRBI’s patrol boat will be at the take-out location to help tubers navigate to the steps. The float is approximately 6 miles and will take 3-5 hours.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes, all participants must sign a liability waiver. It is available for download online – CLICK HERE – please print and sign and bring with you to the event. If you are not able to print it, we will have some available to sign at the event.
Can youth groups participate?
Yes, we encourage church youth groups, boy and girl scout troops, etc. to participate! If participants are under 18, they MUST bring a waiver signed by their parent or guardian to the event. There must be 1 adult/parent chaperone for every 6 youth under 15. (example: 6 youth need 1 adult, 6-12 youth need 2 adults, 12-18 youth need 3 adults, etc.)
Will there be awards/prizes?
Prizes will be awarded in 3 categories: Largest Group; Most Spirited Group; and Best Costume.
What is the Float-a-thon?
The Float-a-thon is a fundraising competition where you can help CRBI raise money for our programs and also win a great prize! CLICK HERE to learn more and create your own fundraising page.
What and where is the after party?
The after-party will take place after the float at Bridgepoint Plaza (family-friendly) and River Dog Outpost (age 21+), and will include food, games, music, and more! Moe’s BBQ will be serving food, we’ll have lawn games set up for even more fun, we’ll announce the prize winners, and we’ll celebrate our new world record at Bridgepoint Plaza from 3-6 pm.
Participants who are over 21 years old will receive a complimentary beer from sponsor SweetWater Brewery at River Dog Outpost!
Timeline of the Event:
Friday, June 1
4:00-7:00 pm. Registration and packet pick up at the CRBI office, 5 Broad St.
Saturday, June 2
9:00-11:30 Registration and packet pick up at Grizzard Park launch site
9:30-11:30 Shuttles run drivers from Coosa Valley Fairgrounds back to Grizzard Park
10:30-11:30 Tubes launch onto the Etowah River
11:45 Official World Record attempt
12:00 Tubes can break apart and float downstream on the Etowah
3:00 After-party begins at Bridgepoint Plaza with music, food, games, etc.
5:00 Award winners are announced
3:00-6:00 Shuttles run drivers back to Coosa Valley Fairgrounds to get their vehicles