In reality, the name FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas River) doesn’t even tell half of the story. Over the course of 62 years, the festival based in Salida largely has outgrown its river roots and now includes about as many off-water activities as on. For land- lubbers seeking athletic challenges, that includes mountain bike racing on the newish Arkansas Hills trails at 10 a.m. Sunday (kids 16 and younger compete free), the Tenderfoot Hill Climb running race at 6 p.m. Thursday, the FIBArk 10K trail run at 8 a.m. Sunday and the decidedly more laid-back Chain Drain Disc Golf Tournament at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. “Crazy River Dogs” can get into the action at noon Sunday and spectators will find no shortage of watch-worthy sideshows ranging from Leo Nocentelli’s free Thursday night concert (followed by BoomBox and Hot Buttered Rum on Friday and Saturday) to the annual parade at 10 a.m. Saturday. Yes, there’s even a karaoke competition, not to mention a full-blown carnival midway for the kids.
Find it: Get a complete schedule at .
