The Sundial Splash kicked off the summer in Redding Saturday. It was the second Sundial Splash. The Lions Club, the organization that hosted it, hopes to make it an annual event.
The first Splash was in 2014. Approximately 200 people registered for the Splash 2017. When the event was described as “fun in the sun” they weren’t kidding. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. And the temperature neared 100 degrees.
People gathered with kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, outriggers, prone paddle boards, rafts, and basically anything a person could paddle.
This video, by Andrew Ooley, captured the event from the water.
The Sundial Bridge was adorned with the American flag over its side, and the bridge was lined with people. I found it entertaining to watch everyone get ready for the event. According to the Sundial Splash website, the event was a family-fun river float, with a race, designed to focus on the heart of our community: The Sacramento River.
The route from the Sundial Bridge ended at the John Reginato River Access at South Bonnyview. The river route is about 6 miles. Not everyone was a racer in the event. Most people just went for the fun of going down the river.
The winner of the race was Cory Markhart. He was awarded his medal from the Lions Club with a certificate.
Cory’s ride down the river was reported to be 26 minutes. They don’t time the racers, but I did. And it took Cody 35 minutes. Second place didn’t come in for another 8 minutes. Cory left them in his wake as he sliced through the water.
Once at the John Reginato River Access, everyone could enjoy lunch from food trucks. Tables were set up and people relaxed in the shade to music that filled the air.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a little Yorkie doggy named Smidget in the Splash. She was a knock-out! Smidget wore a pink cap, little booties, and Doggles.
And most important, she wore a safety jacket. Safety jackets were mandatory for everyone, even dogs. When I saw Smidget, I just had to follow her with several photos. And in the end, Smidget got a selfie with her owners.
Proceeds from the Sundial Splash will benefit youth activities in the greater Redding area.
