RONCEVERTE, W.Va. (WVDN) – Polish up your kayak and get ready for a day of fun and excitement as the second annual Red Nose River Float returns on June 17.
This much-awaited event brings together adventure enthusiasts, families and friends for a day of river floating, all for a great cause. Participants don red noses and take to the waters of the beautiful Greenbrier River, creating a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved.
The Red Nose River Float is held in support of ALS research and in memory of Chally Erb, Gary Arbaugh and all the families who have been affected by ALS. The event is organized by Greenbrier Countians Deva Wagner, Erb’s daughter, and Dan Withrow in partnership with the West Virginia ALS Foundation. Last year’s inaugural event raised over $20,000.
The Red Nose River Float is designed to be an enjoyable and engaging experience for everyone involved. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join in on the fun with the float beginning at the Caldwell boat launch at 11 a.m. and ending at Island Park in Ronceverte. This section of river is approximately 6 miles of Class II water and is perfect for beginners. Floaters can expect 2.5 hours of float time. Float time may vary according to river conditions.
As participants get close to Island Park, they’ll don their red noses in celebration of Erb, who spent his life as a performer and professional clown, famously walking on stilts in local parades and fairs, as well as in national political marches and protests.
This year’s float will be bigger and better with a post-float party continuing at the Ronceverte Food Truck Festival on Edgar Avenue in downtown Ronceverte. The food truck festival will feature a wide array of food trucks, a beer garden, live music, adult and kids’ games and vendors. These festivities provide an opportunity for participants to relax and have fun after their river adventure, as well as a chance for non-floaters to join in on the excitement.
New this year will be the ALS Awareness Night on Thursday, June 15, from 6-10 p.m. and will feature music from local musicians Distant Light and human foosball, cornhole and ax throwing tournaments.
Wagner says that she and Withrow began the event to celebrate Erb’s and Arbaugh’s lives. Both men were avid outdoor sportsmen and loved the Greenbrier River.
“We’re doing this to keep my dad’s and Gary’s memories alive. They would love that we are remembering them with a celebration,” Wagner says.
And it’s important that funds and awareness continue to be raised to support finding a cure for ALS.
“This is important because a person who is diagnosed with ALS today hears the same thing that the first person who was diagnosed in 1869 heard: there is no treatment for this disease; there is no cure; and it’s always fatal,” she says.
Wagner and Withrow are seeking volunteers. Those who wish to volunteer are asked to call Withrow at 304-646-0573, visit www.rednoseriverfloat.com or find Red Nose River Float on Facebook.
Chally Erb
Gary Arbaugh
