Blazing Paddles Paddlefest thoughts at Brite Winter 2023
/The 14th annual Brite Winter is in the books as thousands strolled the consolidated event footprint on Cleveland’s west bank of the Flats in the Nautica lot. We continue to marvel at the memory of meetings leading to the first Brite Winter at Hart Crane Park with its intimate mix of art, games and music! Now Brite Winter has evolved into a sprawling affair encompassing 21 bands, several DJs, art installations, food, & beverage.
Which gets us to thinking about the evolution of Blazing Paddles Paddlefest. As we’ve grown exponentially over the years (thank you for YOUR incredible support) we’re planning a significant expansion of Blazing Paddles Paddlefest this year with a LARGE proviso. A trusted advisor whispered in our ear last year “You’re doing good, just don’t get too big too fast and lose your cool factor! Take your time and let the demand come to you!”
Back in 2018 we made our FIRST effort to host a live music, food and beer event on the shores of the Cuyahoga River. Our visions of scaling Blazing Paddles Paddlefest into a Cleveland waterfront festival that wove itself into the fabric of nearby communities ran headlong into terrible weather and us getting slightly out over our skis on the public engagement front. We were simply too young an event to occupy significant mindshare.
Last year, we provided live music with Bonnis & the King who provided a wonderful vibe at our Pre-Paddle (early check-in and expo) Friday afternoon and After Paddle on Saturday.
We’re pleased Blazing Paddles Paddlefest has become a “bucket list destination paddle” that attracted 600 paddlers from 15 states (recreational tourism anyone?) last year. And YES, the Cuyahoga River just regained the title of USA Today 10Best Readers Choice “Best Urban Kayaking Spot”
As we finalize planning for our Fifth Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest on July 21-22, 2023 we’re VERY curious about what you’d like us to provide (remember, “a vision without resources is a hallucination” and YES, sponsorship and organization partner opportunities are available) so our rapidly growing Cleveland waterfront event sustainably and properly represents Cleveland’s cool summer vibe that Brite Winter does so well in winter.
Please comment on this post or send us an e-mail with your suggestions!
Brite Winter 2023 Gallery
