About This Festival

The Wabash River Run is a kayak, canoe, and paddleboard race combined with a family recreation day event held along the Wabash River in Indiana. The race starts at Reeder Park in Montezuma, IN and finishes at Riverside Park in Clinton, IN. It benefits the Parke/Vermillion Humane Society, with a $20 entry fee per participant. Spectating the event is free, and the event is handicapped accessible.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

  • Reeder Park in Montezuma provides a scenic riverside setting with amenities including playground equipment, tennis courts, pavilions, handicapped-accessible restrooms, and a public access site to the river. The park has campgrounds with electricity and water and is located four blocks south of the caution light off State Highway 36.
  • The adjacent towns of Montezuma and Clinton lie in Vermillion County in western Indiana. This rural area is known for its natural river landscapes, making it suited for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
  • Riverside Park at Clinton serves as the race endpoint and likely offers additional facilities and public river access.
  • The overall vibe of the event is community-oriented, sporty, and family-friendly, supporting a local charity while promoting outdoor recreation.

Historic and Organizational Context

  • The Wabash River Run appears as an established annual event centered on paddling sports and family outdoor recreation.
  • The event raises proceeds for the local Parke/Vermillion Humane Society, indicating strong local community involvement.
  • Reeder Park’s presence as a central location suggests integration with other local recreational opportunities and outdoor festivals in the region.

Activities and Schedule (Approximate for the 2025 Event on August 23)

  • Race Start: Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard race begins at Reeder Park in Montezuma.
  • Race Route: Approximately following the Wabash River southward, ending at Riverside Park in Clinton.
  • End of Race: Participants finish at Riverside Park where family recreation activities likely continue.
  • Family Recreation Day: Alongside racing, the day includes various family activities (although specific activities are not detailed in available sources, typical offerings might include games, food vendors, music, and demonstrations).
  • The event's handicap accessibility ensures inclusivity.
  • The exact timeline of races and recreational activities is usually structured around the race start in the morning with finishing by afternoon or early evening.

Summary of Event Features:

  • Race Types: Kayak, canoe, paddleboard race.
  • Entry Fee: $20 per person.
  • Proceeds: Donations to Parke/Vermillion Humane Society.
  • Accessibility: Handicapped accessible facilities and routes.
  • Locations: Start at Reeder Park (Montezuma), finish at Riverside Park (Clinton).
  • Audience: FREE to watch, family and community friendly.

This event uniquely combines river sports with community recreation in a natural setting, emphasizing outdoor enjoyment and local charity support.