MANCHESTER — Outdoor fun, creativity, and community spirit will take center stage later this spring during the Clay County Days Festival as they host The Goose Chase, a homemade raft and kayak race set for Saturday, May 30, on the Goose Creek River.
Many can remember the raft races held with the Hallelujah Festival back in the 1980s. It was a popular event that organizers hope recreates interest and participation.
The event, designed to bring together friends, families, churches, clubs, and community groups, will feature both a homemade raft race and a kayak race, offering participants multiple ways to compete on the water.
Sign-ups will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with the race scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
The homemade raft race will require teams of four participants using non-motorized rafts. Teams must remain on their raft until crossing the finish line, and organizers are encouraging creativity in raft design, making the competition both fun and visually entertaining for spectators.
The kayak race will be limited to non-motorized, paddle-powered kayaks. Participants must remain in their kayak throughout the race.
Organizers say safety will be a top priority during the event. Participants must be age 12 or older, and life jackets will be required at all times. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present.
In addition to competition, the event is aimed at strengthening community connections and encouraging outdoor recreation along Goose Creek, one of Clay County’s natural attractions.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including:
The event is sponsored by Clay County Tourism and Manchester Tourism and is expected to draw participants and spectators from across the region.
Organizers are encouraging community groups, churches, youth organizations, and families to participate, noting that “any group is welcome.”
The event’s theme encourages participants to build it, paddle it, and chase the goose, combining friendly competition with community pride and outdoor adventure.
Additional details about registration and event logistics are expected to be released closer to the race date.
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