Bonita's RiverFest draws hundreds for fall family fun
Palm fronds aren't turning colors, but fall was in full swing Saturday during the 10th annual RiverFest in Bonita Springs.
With the temperature in the 70s, families enjoyed the outdoors at Riverside Park without breaking too much of a sweat. They picked out, and decorated, their favorite pumpkins at the patch, saddled up for pony rides, or stood near the Imperial River to watch the race that featured 22 canoes, kayaks, surf skis and paddleboards.
Some racers got creative with their athletic ensembles. One kayaker dressed up as Donald Trump, while two canoe partners paddled down the river in gorilla and banana costumes.
The 2.1 mile race isn't necessarily about winning. It's about having fun.
Ark Athanacio, 51, of Bonita Springs,enjoyed paddleboarding down the river. He was one of the first racers to cross the finish line, not necessarily because he was the fastest, but because he was one of the first ones to start. The river was slow Saturday, but Athanacio's a pro.
He's been participating in water sports, such as paddleboarding, since 2005. He's raced since 2009.
"It takes a lot of training," said Athanacio, a member of CGT Race Tribe.
One of his teammates, James Douglass, 37, switched from wind surfing to paddleboarding when he moved to Bonita Springs.
"It's hard to go fast. At first I didn't get what the big deal was about it until I started racing and I got hooked on it. It's a great way to stay fit and challenge yourself," Douglass said.
The river challenge began 10 years ago when a group of volunteers wanted more focus on the Imperial River. Proceeds from the event go the city's Waterways Conservation Fund.
"When we started this, we wanted to create awareness about the river. Some people don't understand what an asset it is to have it in our own back yards," event Chairwoman Teri Lamaine said as she jotted down finishing times of racers.
Over the years, the event has grown into family-fun day with live music, food and plenty of outdoor activities.
Akilah Owusu took a snapshot of her son, Drexel, and husband, Melvin, painting a pumpkin together. Her 2-year-old son got on his tip toes to brush paint on the pumpkin while his dad guided his hand.
The fall season is special to the family from Chicago visiting family in the area.
"We all have birthdays this season and we got married in November, so it's a special time," Akilah Owusu said.
Over by the river docks, Alexis Camp, 7, dressed up as Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen as she watched the racers with her furry pet guinea pig, Gidget, in her hands.
"She brings her everywhere," said Jennica Vernet, her mom.
