UPDATE (7/7/2022):  We got a chance to chat with Willie in our latest episode of Community Voices – take a listen below (and stick around til the end and hear “Our River” by Lewi Longmire)

The Big Float is a celebration of the Willamette River. It’s a parade/float/beach party in downtown Portland that benefits the Human Access Project.

Founded by Wille Levenson, Portland’s Human Access Project (HAP) is a volunteer-driven, grassroots advocacy group dedicated to helping people “get into their river” by creating river access and a human habitat that people love and protect. He simply wanted to swim in the Willamette River and got a little carried away.

July 10th marks the 10th and last The Big Float – the fun starts at Tom McCall Waterfront Bowl at 11am.  Led by a marching band, the parade ambles upstream along the Esplanade to Poet’s Beach under Marquam Bridge. Floaters then paddle themselves out into the current and down the majestic Willamette River back to the Tom McCall Bowl where live music, beer, drinks and food await!

(Everyone needs to bring their own float (so have fun with it!) and a life jacket – more info on what you need can be found here)

Register TODAY through Tuesday May 31st and you’ll pay only $6 – this goes up on June 1 to $10 per floater.   And stay tuned to PRP, we might just have a pass or two to give away!

Veronica Bisesti
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