Farewell to Fisher's Ford as we know it (PARTY!!)

[paddledog]

As we all know, change is coming to Fisher's Ford.
Water (ground) breaking on the new project will begin in three weeks.
The Northwest chapter would like to throw a party to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new.
Next Saturday, September 7th, starting in mid afternoon (2'ish) we will open the gates
and have full access to the area.
Because the land has been transferred to the city of Siloam Springs they have some concerns with
liability. Because of their concerns we are going to have to carry our own ACA insurance and this will
be an official ACC event. Therefore if you are an ACA member there will be no cost to get in the gate.
And for those attending who are not ACA members, there will be a $5 charge to cover the cost of the
ACA insurance.
The plan is to hold a dinner time cook out (dog and burgers) but we need to procure a couple grills, and grillers....
This can be a great time to get together paddle the Ford, and tell stories (lies) about the great times we have had paddling the only 365 wave in the state.
I will have the blueprints to the new park and will go over them with anyone who wants to know more.
Because of the mid stream construction to happen shortly there after, the Ford will be closed to recreational
paddling. So let's all turn out to close one chapter and open another in NWA paddling.....

Directions to Da Ford
http://goo.gl/maps/pm67l" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[gannon311]

Sweet!!!!! Who is responsible for geting this project done? Will it be an year around flow? Pumps or natural flow? When u get the plans post them up!!! Love to see them! Looks like a great place for some races!!

[Roger]

Steve, I might just have to take a day Friday to travel and come up for the festivities since I've never been to the Ford.

Idea: Maybe the NW chapter can get an annual event during the summer like S&T going once things are finished. Make it a destination event with camping, music, yada, yada! You get the idea!! to you!

[kru1]

I'm hosting an event that night, so I may try to make it a little bit earlier and leave by the time people start coming in. I am going to try to make it around 12:00.

kru

[maggiepowell]

Cool deal! I've never been there so paddling and a party sound sweet.

Mags

[magicmike]

River level dependant? Might be too low?-M-

[adamm]

Reluctantly hoping the water will be too low so they can get started and get it done.

[magicmike]

We could do a "most plastic left on the ledge ,Wins!" Rodeo. -M-

[paddledog]

MagicMike, It never gets "Too Low"..
And yes, Adamm this is the only time I can ever remember
wishing the rains away.

[magicmike]

Gonna be fun! See ya'll Saturday. -M-

[paddledog]

Hmmm.... KRU has brought to my attention that this is the day of the Lee Creek Cleanup.
First is an apology to Half-Ton and the other organizers, I wasn't trying to step on any toes,
the schedule was forced by the construction.
HOWEVER, let's make lemonade out of lemons.
It is a nice easy drive up AR 59 to get to the Ford.
Here is a map of the route.
http://goo.gl/maps/gDPny" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Take your boat to the clean up, then let's all gather at the Ford for a dinner beside the river.
Gates open at two and food is 5 (ish).
See ya all there...........................................

[jonest]

So, play or no play (on the wave) is totally dependent upon rain?? The statement "states only 365 wave" has confused me. I'll be in that part of the world over the weekend and will take a boat IF there will be water. Please Advise.
If it is in the best interest of the project, I will hold off on the rain dance.

[kru1]

No worries Paddledog, Lee Creek Cleanup starts at 9am and is over by noonish. The events shouldn't interfere with each other.

kru

[Dan Daniel]

I've been going to the Ford for 20yrs now, and I have never seen it "too low" to play. Over the years I've used the gauge to see if it's too high. The river will wash out the features when too high. When it's low, the eddyline is crisp, and the little hole gets "grabby", but nothing, ( let me repeat, NOTHING) to worry about. If you do get "stuck" in the hole, someone can just walk over and pull you out!
We've played there at levels below 2ft many, many, many times. Just bring your smiles.
I can't wait to see so many people at a place that had made a HUGE difference to may paddling. If you can't have fun at the Ford, you aren't trying!

[jonest]

Thanks Dan,
I like the positive attitude! Looking forward to the first trip to FF.
Tim