Rick Lewis remembers a different kind of Chunky River Raft Race.

The Chunky staple started in the 1970s, survived the ’80s and was cut short in the ’90s.

“They stopped it because it was a drunkfest,” said Lewis, now co-owner of the Chunky Shoals Fish Camp. “But we brought it back and made it a family thing.”

More than that, on Saturday, Lewis made it a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s awareness.

In past years the camp partnered with other charity groups, such as Wounded Warriors. But personal experience with Alzheimer’s convinced them to raise money for Alzheimer’s Mississippi, a nonprofit, donor-supported organization that provides care while “advancing statewide research in pursuit of a cure,” according to the organization’s website.

“We started doing it for our mom,” Lewis said. “We didn’t know much about it when we first found out, so we wanted to raise awareness. People don’t know there’s resources available, and that’s what we’re trying to do, just make those resources available.”

Madison native Missa Damiens came to kayak with friends, but the reason behind the race touched close to home.

“My mom had Alzheimer’s,” she said. “She died last December. So, I don’t know much about Alzheimer’s Mississippi, but it’s a good cause.”

“It’s definitely for a good cause, something supported by the community,” said Lt. Cmdr. Robert McCharen, a public works officer at the Meridian Naval Air Station. McCharen and colleagues headed to the river after hearing about it on the radio and Facebook.

Alzheimer’s Mississippi executive director TJ Harvey said the event was a great opportunity for the community to come together and have fun. And fun was had.

Though the event kept its “raft race” title, it was kayaks and canoes that dominated the river Saturday. There was also a rubber duck race.

“They’re going to take me along with the tube,” said Donna Anderson as she gestured toward her son and his friend. “That’s the life.”

“We just love kayaking,” said Ryan Anderson. “In the past three or four weeks, we’ve done it three times. We came here last year, and it’s usually a really fun time.”

“The race lasted so long (last year),” he said. “But even then, you go on the sand and hang out after.”

Kristen Maloney won the canoe race. Paxton Russell placed first in kayaking, with Tyler Singleton in second and Robert McCharen in third. Kerry Culpepper won the duck race.