A new event is coming in June to Downtown Salisbury – the city will host the inaugural River Races, a kayak, paddleboard, and cardboard boat race on the Wicomico River.

Taking place on June 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will have something for everyone–music, food trucks, games, adult beverages, and more will be offered throughout the day. 

“We are thrilled to bring the first-annual River Races to Downtown Salisbury,” said Mayor Jake Day. “It’s not every day that you get to have kayaks and paddleboards race through Downtown, and I’m always happy when we can bring fresh, new events to our citizens. We want to ensure that Salisbury is always a place to work, live, and play.”

Paddleboard races will start at 11 a.m. and kayak races will start at noon at the Riverwalk Games Park.

Spectators of all ages are invited to come and cheer on all of our athletes along the course, whether on the Riverwalk, the pedestrian bridge, or at the Amphitheater. Bring homemade signs and noise makers to cheer on our racers.

Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be provided by the city. Paddleboards and paddles must be provided by each participant.

The event will also act as a ribbon cutting for the city’s newest pocket park, located at the intersection of West Market Street and South Division Street. The Riverwalk Games Park, upon completion, will include chess/checkers tables, bocce courts, cornhole boards, two fire pits, and a service bar for events. A floating kayak launch dock is located directly across the Wicomico River on Carroll Street.

“Riverwalk Games Park is another example of the new kinds of community-building spaces we are bringing to Downtown Salisbury,” said Day. “This park will be available for anyone in the public to use, and is a perfect space for small groups to gather and create an experience that is personal and exciting to them.”

River Races will be followed by Cardboard Boat Races, a secondary event hosted in partnership with Wicomico County Recreation and Parks. Racers prepared to sink or swim will craft a vessel out of cardboard and other recycled materials and bring it to the River Races launch, racing a short course in teams of two.

“Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, & Tourism is excited to partner with the city of Salisbury on this great new event,” said Program Director Jamie Nichols. “We are thrilled to be bringing back the cardboard boat races for the community to participate in and enjoy.” 

Cardboard Boat Races Registration is $25 for a team of two, or $45 for a business or organization. For more information on Cardboard Boat Races, please visit salisbury.md.