Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

On Monday evening, the Kernville Chamber of Commerce held a “Whitewater Wednesday Appreciation Event” saluting local rafting companies that contributed to the event’s success.

Without the support of local rafting companies and the many volunteers, Whitewater Wednesday could not have brought in $6,000 this year, organizers said.

Representatives from Chuck Richards Whitewater, Mountain & River Adventures, Kern River Outfitters, and Sierra South received plaques of appreciation from the Kernville Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the businesses’ contributions to the community. Benjamin McFarland, fourth from right, of Kevin McCarthy’s office presented awards from the congressman at the Aug. 9 Kernville Chamber meeting/mixer.

Guests feasted on barbecue hamburgers, cooked by none other than Chuck Richards, the grandfather of whitewater rafting in Kernville.

Much was made about Richards’ contribution to the local economy and a feel of the area. John Stallone, of Mountain and River Adventures, and Luther Stevens of Kern River Outfitters, talked about how they had met in Richards’ guide school in the late 1980s.

“It took Chuck Richards to bring rafting here,” said Chamber President Jill Sloan. “We love him for all that he has done for this area.”

All of the rafting companies that helped make this year’s Whitewater Wednesday a success were honored, including Mountain and River Adventures, Kern River Outfitters, Sierra South, Kern River Tours, and Eagle Rafting.

Representatives from each company were given a plaque from the chamber which read, “In appreciation for your generous contribution of both support and service to the Kern River Valley through rafting.”

Touched by the sentiment, Stallone gave a brief overview of the history of Mountain and River Adventures, explaining that he had started the business with two friends in 1989, who left shortly after, and he has been growing MRA ever since. “It’s enjoyable doing what you love to do,” he said.

Ben McFarland of Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s office was on hand for the event and distributed certificates of appreciation to each of the rafting companies from his office as well of Assemblywoman Jean Fuller.

McFarland said he enjoyed coming to Kernville, and recognized that the Kern River is a big draw to our county, and that the rafting companies have made it so.

“Even though (Whitewater Wednesday) might only be one weekday in the year, it means a great deal to our tourism in the county,” he said.

To find out how you can volunteer at next year’s Whitewater Wednesday, or any Kernville Chamber event, contact their office at 760-376-2629.