2011-06-14

14th Annual Raft the Rio a Huge Success

Participants put the finishing touches (or in some cases, starting touches) on their rafts prior to the start of the race at La Llorona Park.

More than 540 sailors floating on 160 boats enjoyed a day of fun, sun and water last Saturday on the Rio Grande near Las Cruces. They were participants in the Southwest Environmental Center's 14th Annual Raft the Rio.

Most of the boats were homemade using recycled and discarded materials. The high degree of creativity of this year's entries made judging difficult. Here are the winners:

First to Finish:
Kid's Division--Dragonfly Drifters
Open Division--Titanic

Least Likely to Finish:
Kid's Division--Herbalife Birthday Boy
Open Division--Garbage Patch

Best Use of Recycled Materials:
Kid's Division--Izu's
Open Division--Border Patrol

Most Spirited:
Kid's Division--Hooked Again
Open Division--FriendShips

Best Theme:
Kid's Division--Snailers
Open Division--Floating Island

Champion of the River:
Kid's Division--X-Stream Green
Open Division--Peace on the Rio

At the finish line, sailors and spectators alike enjoyed great food, shade and live music by the BBR band. Many thanks to the hardworking volunteers who helped make the event a success. We are also grateful for the support provided by the Kiwanis Club of Las Cruces, who provided a delicious pancake breakfast at the start of the race, and the Dona Ana County Emergency Response Providers who kept a close eye on the event and made sure everyone was safe.

  Finally, we'd like to give a special shout out to this year's event sponsors:

  • Positive Energy Solar, Inc.
  • Hacienda Carpet and Tile
  • Aggie Recreational Equipment
  • GeoInsight
  • Good Samaritan Society
  • Rosanne Camunez, Attorney at Law
  • Guzman Construction Solutions

You can see more photos of Raft the Rio 2011 on our Facebook page.