Paddlefest canceled for first time in 14 years

Organizers have made the "difficult decision" to cancel Saturday's Paddlefest on the Ohio River as remnants of heavy rain from Tropical Storm Bill are expected to pummel the region.

"In the interest of paddler safety and with respect to the power of Mother Nature we decided – it was a difficult decision, first time in 14 years – to cancel the paddling part of Paddlefest," said Brewster Rhoads, a lead organizer and recently retired director of Green Umbrella, which has organized the event.

The prediction of heavy rain forced the cancellation of the 8.2-mile paddle from Coney Island to downtown's Public Landing.

The paddle is rescheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2. Money will not be refunded, but all those who registered can join the float then, Rhoads said. Otherwise, registration is not refundable, as was outlined during the process of registration, Rhoads said.

More than 1,100 people had registered early for the event this year -- a record -- and in the past nearly as many had registered on Friday at the festival and on the morning before the paddle.

The festival featuring music and food on Friday is still a go, Rhoads said, including the fishing tournament, gear swap and silent auction.

The Kids Outdoor Expo went on as planned on Thursday.