An upcoming event will offer a variety of activities while also raising money for waterway safey and restoration.

The Grand Valley River Fest is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14 at Las Colonias Park near the Riverside Parkway and Ninth Street in Grand Junction.

Grand Junction Adventures and River Rescue Dynamics will host the event. Proceeds will benefit the Save-A-Life Jacket Program and RiversEdge West.

Gear demonstrations, workshops and other activities for adults and children are planned. 

A gear swap also is scheduled with 15 percent of each item sold donated to the Save-A-Life Jacket Program, which lends free life jackets to visitors along the Colorado River. Proceeds from a beer tent featuring beer from Monumental Beer Works and Ramblebine Brewing Co. also will go to the program.

RiversEdge West will host a rubber ducky race set for 11:30 a.m. 

A total of 400 numbered rubber ducks will be released to float down the Colorado River. The participant who purchases the winning duck will receive a Hala Rival Hoss inflatable stand-up paddleboard worth $1,199. Participants need not be present to win.

Ducks sell for $20 each, six for $100 and 12 for $200. Tickets for the race will be sold online until noon May 13 and in person until 11 a.m. the day of the race.

RiversEdge works to restore river side landscapes as well as address problems associated with such invasive plants as tamarisk and Russian olive.

A free slackline exhibition set for 1 to 2:30 p.m. will feature three events. Cash and gear will be awarded to winning participants.

A throw bag tournament set for 2 to 4 p.m. will test participants’ accuracy, focus and strength while also raising awareness of water safety. A $10 entry fee will be charged. The top three competitors will receive prizes.

A free paddle contest set for 3 to 5 p.m. will include a fitness race, freestyle tricks event and jousting between two paddle boarders. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each competition.

For more information about Grand Valley River Fest, including tickets for the rubber ducky race, visit https://grandvalleyriverfest.com.