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Second annual river battle was a success

The annual Kla-How-Ya River Battle went down the Columbia river this past weekend.
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The crew from the Riverhouse Tavern made a pirate ship for the Gentlemen’s Leisure Club of Golden’s Kla-How-Ya River Battle down the Columbia River on Saturday Aug. 24.

The Gentlemen’s Leisure Club of Golden, The Local Townie News and lead sponsor Riverhouse Tavern held the annual Kla-How-Ya River Battle this past weekend.

Starting from the Nicholson bridge, ten canoeists, two stand-up paddle boarders and two rafts made the trip down the Columbia river.  A sizeable and enthusiastic crowd was on hand for the firework start.

The Clipper Trippers of Ryan Warmough and Gord Barlow won the race for the second year in a row, crossing the finish line at Confluence Park under clear skies.

A barbecue lunch followed and was provided by the Rotary Club of Golden, with Wildsight Golden providing live music and games for children.

All of the participants made it down the river without incident, although one of the paddlers, Jeff Dolinsky, tells of a different boat that experienced a minor mishap.

“The (search and rescue) boat got caught on a sandbar and later they had a little engine trouble. It was some unusual support from the search and rescue boat, as they were showing us what not to do,” he said, laughing at the experience.

All types of boats may participate in the event, as long as they are non-motorized and can float. Organizer Eric Prasloski hopes that the event can continue to grow in the coming years.

“Participants and Goldenites loved the event this year,” he said. “Many Goldenites that have been around for a while brought up stories of the original rafters in the early ‘80s and many look forward to next year’s Golden River Days and the Kla-How-Ya River battle.”