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Paddlefest set for this Saturday
Kids-rakingWEB
Sisters Ania Betancourt, left, and Bianca Betancourt rake by the VFW boat ramp.
It’s time to float the river to help Kids of the Community.The fourth annual Paddlefest is set for this Saturday, June 25, with a race or casual float departing from Pepper Branch Park.For those looking to barrel their way down the Barren Fork River, the race starts at 9 a.m. If you’re looking for a more relaxing time, the float starts at 9:30 a.m. Registration for both events begins at 8 a.m. at Pepper Branch Park with the race costing $30 and the float costing $25. The cost includes a T-shirt.“This helps promote tourism for our area by showing off one of our great rivers and it helps give back by helping a local organization,” said Pam Pescevic, a Kids of the Community volunteer. “We want people to enjoy the river and we’re providing lunch and entertainment as soon as they leave the water.”The 13K float ends at the VFW. It’s there participants will receive a hamburger or hotdog lunch and entertainment by several local artists, including Bran Merritt, Josh Wanamaker and Aaron Jones.Paddlefest had over 125 participants its first year, which was its biggest.