"The Grand" honors the vision, leadership and conservation efforts of Columbus, GA demonstrated in the removal of two outdated mill dams and restoration of the Chattahoochee to its natural flow.

Starting at 9 AM, with the expert guidance of Whitewater Express, rafters hit the ‘Hooch every hour of the day, shooting through Class III-V rapids – meaning that many had the opportunity to cool off from the hot summer temps in some of the nation’s biggest whitewater rapids!

Rafter and guests to uptown Columbus were also treated to an afternoon of education on the Riverwalk, music from Catfish Hill Roberts and The Bottom, as well as ice-cold beverages from Sweetwater Brewing Company and Montane Sparkling Spring Water.

In addition to a day of whitewater rafting, participants learned how powerful Georgia communities can be when we come together to protect our state’s natural resources and: