When some Salida businessmen or boaters got together in 1948 for either coffee or a beer (the story remains debatable) in1948 and came up with an idea for a boat race down the Arkansas River, little did they know their brainstorming would result in an event that would still be going strong 75 years later.
The First FIBArk (it stands for First in Boating on the Arkansas River) was held on June 19, 1949 with six boats entered. That first race was even more treacherous than today’s 26 miles. It went 57 miles, clear to the Royal Gorge in Canon City. And remember boats in those days were not the modern crafts we see today. They were made of wood and canvas, attached to a wood or metal frame and were as long as 20 feet. Two boats finished that race.
While scantily clad boaters and spectators are no surprise today, one event that shocked locals in 1954 was when the first two lady boaters from France, Raymonde Paris and Jeanette Pean, showed up wearing bikinis. The scant swimwear was popular in France but was still pretty risqué in Salida.
The race was dubbed “whitewater hell.” As the years progressed it attracted boaters from around the world, evolving into a 5 day event that included a parade and other attractions. For many locals FIBArk “weekend,” the third weekend in June, has become homecoming week with family and classmates getting together to enjoy the fun.
Arlene E. Shovald Ph.D
