TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — After a decade of rekindling Tulsa’s connection to the Arkansas River, the Great Raft Race will conclude its traditional Labor Day event in 2025.
The race, which was revived in 2015 after a hiatus, will have its final celebration on August 16, 2025, with a sunset event at River Parks East Bank.
Organizers said the decision to end the race is a joyful one, as the mission of revitalizing community engagement with the river has been fulfilled.
The race, originally launched in 1973 by KRMG Radio, became Oklahoma’s largest single-day event, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
It was a Labor Day staple until 1991 when it ended due to logistical challenges.
Seth Erkenbeck, founder and executive director of Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, said, “The dream was always bigger than a single event; it was about reminding Tulsa what our river could be. We’ve watched the vision come to life, feeling the energy of thousands of spectators line Williams Crossing at last year’s event as we capitalized on our new white-water assets, and to watch it continue to ripple outward has been incredibly meaningful. I’m proud of the community we’ve built around this race, and excited for what comes next.”
The race was revived through the efforts of Tulsa’s Young Professionals (TYPros) and was initially seed-funded by the TYPros Foundation.Shagah Zakerion, communications director of Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, said, “I believe deeply in the power of bold ideas to build community pride. T
he Great Raft Race was our first grant for exactly that reason, because it reconnected Tulsa to the river and each other. Being part of its journey ever since has been a true privilege.”
The event has been supported by key partners, including the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, the River Parks Authority, and AAON.
Over the past decade, the race has championed the Vision package, leading to the construction of a new low-water dam and the development of Zink Lake.
Mary Fencl, co-director of Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, said, “This all began with the goal of showing Tulsa what was possible on our river and having as much fun as possible along the way. The transformation we hoped for is now a reality, and that’s worth celebrating with one last sail into the sunset. We hope to see you there.”
The final event, “Raft Race Sails into the Sunset,” will include food trucks, giveaways, music, and a community float down the river.
All are welcome to join the celebration and honor the legacy of the race.
More details CLICK HERE.
