NoliFest kicks off Friday with live music, paddling competition down Nolichucky Gorge

Kenzie Hagood
·1 min read

ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) – The 11th annual NoliFest kicked off on Friday with live music on the Noli Wind and Scenic Stage and a paddling competition where paddlers descended the rapids of the Nolichucky Gorge.

The NoliFest is a three-day whitewater river sports festival hosted along the banks of the Nolichucky River. The festival invites whitewater adventurists worldwide to camp and connect with others in the mountains.

Matt Moses, managing partner for USA Raft Adventure Resort, told News Channel 11 that the festival once had just four paddleboarders.

“NoliFest has become our season-opening party. It’s an annual event that has become well-known as one of the most fun river festivals in the country,” Moses said.

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Adventurists compete in whitewater challenges and other dry-land competitions. The adrenaline-inducing weekend also features the following, provided by the NoliFest website:

  • yoga

  • gear swap

  • live music at night

  • kayak vendors

  • paddle board vendors

  • arts and crafts vendors

  • food and beverage vendors

“One of my favorite things to do is to add something new and a little twist every year. My staff is not crazy about that, but I like to add something,” Moses said. “We got ax throwing that’s new this year. Last year, a Silent Disco was added. That was really popular. So, we’re doing it and that’s going to be longer.”

The 2024 NoliFest will continue on Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to purchase tickets for the festival, please visit the NoliFest website.

NoliFest supports American Whitewater and the River Management Society. The NoliFest is a partnership between NoliFest and USA Raft Adventure Resort.

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