Whether it be an inner tube, boat or homemade raft, all manner of flotation devices will be welcome at the 2017 Chunky River Raft Race & Festival, which is scheduled for Saturday.

This year’s event will begin Friday night with music from performer Timmy Segars. On Saturday, the festival opens at 9 am. and will feature family-friendly activities for all ages, including the race, vendors, live music, a DJ, and kid’s zone. For those reluctant to enter the water but still eager to participate, there will also be a rubber duck race.

“Our goal is to get kids and young families back out in nature,” event organizer Rick Lewis said. “The whole theme is to get people locally involved as much as possible.”

The race, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will start at the Chunky Shoals Fish Camp and end about three miles later at the Point Road Landing. Depending on the raft, paddler and water levels, time on the water usually lasts anywhere from 1-3 hours.

This year’s festival also a features a new event, a “5K River Race/ Float for Charity” benefiting Alzheimer’s Mississippi, an organization dedicated to advancing Alzheimer’s research, as well as providing services and support to those affected, their caregivers, and their families.

For Lewis, Alzheimer’s disease is an issue that hits close to home.

“My mother passed away with Alzheimer’s… We were not aware of the activities and support groups going on locally,” Lewis said. “We are just trying to raise awareness, and trying to see that the money raised stays in Mississippi.”

The festival will also be working in part with the East Mississippi Foothills Land Trust to keep the event environmentally friendly and promote responsibility in the water.

“It’s all about keeping the river clean for our future generation,” Lewis said. “We don’t allow glass bottles, and we encourage people to pick up their trash.”

Competitors in the race will be eligible to win a grand trophy for first place and $200 cash prize for most innovative/ creative raft. Trophies for first, second, and third place will also be awarded to those in the kayak, canoe, and general raft categories.

Live music will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and will feature local performers such as Chad Peavey, with Buddy Lewis serving as DJ.

Emergency responders from Newton, Lauderdale, and Clark counties will also be on hand to ensure a safe experience for the estimated 1,000 people expected to attend.