Official press release

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E May 25, 2006

Kayakers Race over Great Falls in the Annual Potomac Whitewater Festival Fundraiser

16th Annual Event to be Held July 15-16, 2006 by Potomac Festival Volunteers

Great Falls Park, Maryland

This summer come cheer on world class kayakers and canoeists as they race down Great Falls on the Potomac River at the 16th Annual Potomac Whitewater Festival, July 15-16, 2006. Freestyle Kayaking World Champion and Olympian Eric Jackson will revisit the site of his close call with fellow competitor Jason Beakes in 2005 as they race head-to-head down Class V rapids.

Although the Great Falls race is the undisputed highlight of the festival, there are numerous other activities during the weekend including beginner clinics, freestyle and slalom competitions, and a community downriver race, We're celebrating the paddling community, and welcome everyone who is interested in this fun and exciting sport.

In addition to the paddling events there will be a party Saturday night with great food, live bluegrass from the local band The Dixie Cannonballs, a video premiere of "Mission: Epicocity", and a video highlight of the Falls Race by Local Paddler.

The festival supports the nation's leading advocate for the protection of whitewater river resources, American Whitewater. Kayaking industry leaders and other non-profit river conservation groups will be on-hand at the festival.

The Potomac River, nicknamed "the Nation's River", is the birthplace of many world-class paddlers. They learned and expanded their paddling skills on its waves and holes, slalom courses, and when they became experts, the Class V waterfalls. The festival showcases the variety of paddling disciplines while raising funds to protect future access to this amazing river resource.

To see the event schedule or to register, visit www.potomacfest.com.