RIVER RUNNING -- The annual Spokane River Kickoff event for paddlers and rafters set for April 16 on the Spokane River has been canceled for lack of sponsorship and liability coverage, organizers say.

Many of the participants say they’ll just have an informal gathering to play in the river at Dead Dog Hole at Stateline.

Read on for the announcement and detals by organizers.

We regret to inform you that due to circumstances beyond our control, the Spokane River Kickoff was forced to cancel for the year of 2011.  We were informed late last week that unfortunate cutbacks meant the loss of our primary sponsor and liability insurance.  Without the proper liability insurance we also are not able to obtain the needed City Permits.  As a group we quickly explored several other options but were unsuccessful to make up for this shortfall on short notice.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you and will be working to bring this event back to Spokane next year.  We hope to see you at next year's event in Spring of 2012.

The core concept of the event was to get our paddling community together as a large group, for a day of fun on the water.  Dead Dog is alive and in, and many runs are flowing.  If you and your family/friends were planning on coming out for the Kickoff, let's do it boater style.  A good run or surf session with a hibachi grill or an after party.  We'll be at Dead dog in the afternoon.

See you on the water,

Steve Bailey & the Spokane River Kickoff Planning Committee