Big Paddle returning to Ridgefield

Ridgefield will mark National Trails Day with its 11th annual Big Paddle, featuring festivities at the waterfront and downtown from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4.

The day opens on the Lake River waterfront with the Ridgefield Dragon Boats and live music from Chicamarimba, an eight-woman marimba ensemble.

Boaters can join the Big Paddle at 9 a.m., take a guided paddle with Alder Creek Kayak at 11:30 a.m. or join the open paddle in the afternoon. Guided hikes through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Beach games and kids’ crafts begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up at 2 p.m.

The Paddler’s Celebration begins at 11 a.m. with live music, a raffle, Rally the Raptor and Ridgefield Raptors baseball team members.

The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce will host a beer garden with brews from Ridgefield Craft Brewing Co., and attendees can purchase food from Smokin’ Franks BBQ, Steakburger on the Go, and The Doghouse.

Registration ($5) is required at ridgefieldwa.us/big-paddle. The first 200 registrants receive swag bags.

Registration does not include boat or stand-up paddleboard rentals; they are available from Alder Creek Kayak but must be reserved ahead of time. Some seats are also available on large canoes from the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership.

Free trolley service from the waterfront to the Ridgefield Farmers Market and First Saturday events in Overlook Park will be provided from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.