Raccoon River Rally 2023 – FREE Fun for the Whole Family!
Mark your calendars and save the date for the 3rd Annual FREE Raccoon River Rally presented by Superstorm Restoration at Racoon River Park on Saturday, October 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and the City of West Des Moines have been busy planning the Raccoon River Rally which will bring a day of FREE fun for the entire family.
Not only is the Raccoon River Rally bringing together our amazing community, but a portion of proceeds will also benefit the Athene Pedestrian Bridge project, which is currently underway. This beautiful structure will tie together Walnut Woods State Park and Brown’s Woods with Raccoon River Park.
Live Music
This year’s Raccoon River Rally will feature LIVE MUSIC by Joshua Sinclair and Eli Alger & The Fast Horses! Guests can participate in free family activities, a puppy parade, and cardboard boat races! That’s right – gather your team, build your cardboard boat, and set sail on Blue Heron Lake!
Cardboard Boat Races
Cardboard boat races are time-honored traditions from across the globe. Yes, it might be a little chilly on October 14, but we are excited to bring this event to West Des Moines and hope that this becomes a tradition and a great way for families, teams, friends, and the community to have a blast! Building a boat is fun, but it does take some creativity, ingenuity, imagination, and collaboration. Cardboard materials can be found at your local grocery store, appliance, furniture, hardware, or big ‘box’ seller. The more outlandish the boat, the better! Come up with a theme, outrageous costumes are encouraged, and let’s see who is willing to brave the cold and show us what you got.
Stilwell Junior High students built and raced in the 2021 Raccoon River Rally cardboard boat race. Check out the creativity and fun students and staff experienced by participating in this community event by viewing the video below.
Register for the boat race here!
Local businesses will be present as exhibitors and there will be food and beverage available for purchase from popular food trucks while you take in all the fun.
The Raccoon River Rally presented by Superstorm Restoration is also supported by local sponsor Dupaco Credit Union and organized by the City of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
For more information and updates about the Raccoon River Rally Presented by Superstorm Restoration, check out the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s website. See you there!
