In April of 1974, two men entered the Ottauquechee River on home made rafts and started a tradition that is now on it’s 37th year. Hippy Jim’ (Jim Cloninger) and ‘Bear’ (William Massey) floated down the river in the name of “the Phantom Duck of the Rivers” . This title originated from the Mojave folklore of the “Phantom Duck of the Dessert”. A motorcycle fanatic bore this nickname as he hosted a series of protest rides through the Mojave Desert in the mid-1970's.

The year after this initial float down the river, the originators started generating public interest by offering prizes to the winners. The very first prizes consisted of original hand painted river rocks. Today, many local businesses donate prizes and money to support the event. Each race was started with the shot of a .38 pistol, fired by Stan Dixon in the early years and later by Bill Clingan himself. 18 years ago Randy Saari took over the task with a hand made canon.

In the late 80s, Hippy Jim passed on the organization of the race to others who eventually transformed the event into a fund raiser for the Bridgewater Fast Squad. The Fast Squad is made up entirely of volunteers who donate their time all year assisting victims of auto accidents as well as anyone else in emergency situations. They operate on a minimal budget from the town and rely on money raised from the Raft race and other fund raisers to buy the much needed safety supplies and equipment. In 2010, the event raised nearly $2000 for the Bridgewater Fast Squad.

Over the years the number of Bridgewater Raft Race participants has fluctuated up and down to the point of near extinction in 1999 with only 7 rafts. Talk of ending the long standing community tradition inspired more of the local residents and long time participants to step in and get involved. In 2010, we had ov er 40rafts with numerous participants on vessels hand crafted as simply as an inner tube tied to a piece of plywood, to intricate masterpieces such as a jeep that ran like a paddle boat, complete with tires and smoke coming out of the stacks.

This years event will take place on Saturday, May 7th at 11am for Pre-registration along Route 4 just West of the Bridgewater Corners Country Store and Long Trail Brewery at the residence of Rob and Marianna Capossela. The 3 mile course curves down along Route 4 and finishes behind the Bridgewater Mill Mall with the smoke stack marking the finish line.

Come as a spectator or a participant to a 37 year old tradition in the town of Bridgewater, Vermont. CASH PRIZES are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Other prizes are given for a variety of classes such as Best Raft Name, Youngest Competitor, Most Challenged Raft, Most Original Raft, and many more.