“First in Boating on the Arkansas”
The Story of FIBArk is the history and record of whitewater paddling on the Arkansas River in Salida, Colorado from 1949 to 2023, and the evolution of the sport in America, penned by Salida author and historian Donna Rhoads.
The book tracks the festival’s early beginnings as a bet between early competitors to paddle down the Arkansas River from Salida to Cañon City, Colorado, a feat involving a 56-mile river race at the peak of the spring runoff. The first race was held the third week of June, a tradition now in its 75th year.
Donna Rhoads, author of “The story of FIBArk”, at her work desk. Courtesy image.
The 1949 Arkansas River Race attracted boaters from Europe, who came to Salida to compete and, in so doing, introduced paddling techniques to local boaters.
“This is a story of camaraderie around the world and the growth of whitewater paddling as a sport in America,” says Rhoads. “It is also a story about Salida – its citizens and friends who have embraced, promoted and preserved this unique festival of events called FIBArk.”
This is FIBArk Whitewater Festival week with events scheduled for June 15-18, 2023 at Riverside Park, and up and down the Arkansas River centered at the boat ramp in front of the Salida SteamPlant.
While FIBArk is lots of fun, games, and competition it also has a purpose: the FIBArk organization uses the festival as a fundraising event to support youth paddling programs that cultivate local youth participation in whitewater sports and a lifelong understanding of river stewardship,
Rhoads and her husband, John, became enthralled with FIBArk back in the 1990s. While working as Pool Supervisor of the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, Donna was introduced to local kayakers as they trained and held roll sessions. In 1995, known as sort of an organizer-type, Donna was encouraged to join the FIBArk Board as Assistant Race Director.
She served on the board for a total of nine years, was Commodore in 1997, and has remained active as FIBArk’s historian ever since. John and Donna live in Salida with their two red heelers, Redmond and Eureka.
The Story of FIBArk will be available for purchase at the FIBArk kickoff party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at High Side ! Bar & Grill and during the Festival for $29.95. Numbered, limited editions will be available while they last for $39.95. Stop by the FIBArk tent in Riverside Park to pick up a copy and catch Rhoads in and around the festival events to have your book signed.
“FIBArk is a community lift and there is no greater champion of the festival than Donna,” states Lindsay Sutton-Stephens, President, FIBArk Board of Directors. “It is critically important that we capture and celebrate FIBArk’s deep history. As we honor the event’s 75th year, Donna’s book is a gift to all Salidans and those who engage in whitewater, paddling and Arkansas River adventures.”
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