July 6, 2002

Motorcycles - a welcome sight in River Park
for the Fourth of July Weekend in Happy Camp

by Linda Martin

Over 220 bikers and friends were welcomed to Happy Camp for the Second Annual River Run - also known as Rolling on the River 2002. According to organizers of the event, this represents a 100% increase in participation over the year before. Some of the bikers were return-participants from a year ago.

The River Run is a project of our local Chamber of Commerce. It is expected to grow yearly, eventually attracting thousands of participants each year during the Fourth of July weekend. Local businesses reported an increase in sales during the three day event, and the local motels and campgrounds were filled.

Besides the beautiful, rustic town of Happy Camp and the serenity of the Klamath National Forest, bikers came for the ride alongside the Klamath River on Highway 96 - one of the most scenic and remote routes in California.

Events included bike games: a balloon toss, slow races and more. Huge trophies with the River Run 2002 logo were given to the winners. Music on Friday evening was provided by Happy Camp’s Genuine Draft Band; a popular return performance from last year. The audience warmed up to them right away. Saturday night’s dance music was provided by The Good Medicine Band from Yreka.

The Clarridge Fiddlers came from Redding to entertain on Friday and Saturday afternoons. This amazing musical family, two teenagers and their mother, won the hearts of the crowd with their beautiful Celtic and country-western fiddling. [See separate article.]

The Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce met the following Wednesday to discuss suggestions for making the next River Run better than ever. With lessons learned from the prior years they expect that Rolling on the River 2003, July 4, 5, and 6, will be fun for everyone who comes.

Suggestions for next year’s River Run should be sent to the Chamber of Commerce