Aug 19, 2011 By Chad Carlsonfor Spinit Weekend 3 min read

The Ohiopyle Over The Falls Festival will be celebrating its 13th anniversary as the event returns on Saturday to Ohiopyle State Park.

As the name implies, Over The Falls attracts whitewater paddlers from all across the country to race and compete over the stunning 18-foot waterfall in the scenic village of Ohiopyle.

According to the official press release, the festival will feature two competitions, the Falls Race, a 200-yard whitewater course that includes two-foot, four-foot and eighteen-foot drops, and the Freestyle, during which kayakers will compete using routines and cartwheels for point status.

Barry Adams, Festival Coordinator and Race Organizer, has been putting on the event each year since its inception.

“The original purpose was to show that kayakers could run the falls and that we should be allowed to do so,” Adams said.

“Spectators really like seeing kayakers run the falls and it has become an event that many people put on their calendars every year.”

The inaugural Ohiopyle Falls Race took place on Nov. 13, 1999, and has been an attraction for kayakers nationwide ever since, with over 250 competitors flocking to the state park each year.

In addition to the racing and competing, there are a number of other activities during the festival for people to enjoy, including live music, food booths, and a silent auction, which is a new addition in 2011. One of the highlights of the evening is what is referred to as “Falls Under Lights,” in which the park has implemented lights in and around the Falls, illuminating them for an extravagant view for spectators at night.

While the Over The Falls Festival headlines the event schedule for the weekend, the Ohiopyle State Park area also offers biking, hiking, camping, and incredible scenery and sight-seeing opportunities, as well as cultural activities.

Topping off the evening is the Town Party, held at the Laurel Highlands Outdoor Center Front Porch, which will feature Morgantown-based Halftime String Band. The party is from 7 to 10 p.m., and is free.

The Over The Falls Festival is sponsored by American Whitewater, Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, American Canoe Association, and more, Adams said, and relies heavily on volunteers.

“Without the volunteers and sponsors, we could not run this event,” he said.

Having been here since the beginning, Adams is proud of the festival and what it offers competitors as well as spectators.

“The great thing about this event is that you can watch as much of the competitions as you want and then take in the rest of the park,” he said.

“Plan to stay the evening, get something to eat, listen to great music, and see the Falls Under The Lights.”

As the summer draws to a close, the Over The Falls Festival provides people with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, view some competitive kayaking, take in the breathtaking views of the waterfall and spend time with family and friends.

Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m. in Ohiopyle State Park. Waterfall practice runs will take place at 9 a.m. to noon, with the competitions immediately following. Proceeds from the event benefit American Whitewater, Ohio Stewart Volunteer Fire Co., and Ohiopyle State Park. High water dates or cancellation dates are Aug. 27 or Sept. 10.

Go online to www.FallsRace.com for more information and registration details.