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Raft racc a.. A AA*. wy i^uiuii nuuy Gamecock Stuff Wrtttr When the "Ramblin' Raft Race" was held Saturday on the Congaree River, more than 20,000 people discovered one of the most enjoyable, unique experiences of i their lives. "It was wild, great. We just floated down the river and drank beer for two hours," Kerry Gomez, a (JSC student and participant in the race. said. The event was "a great success" according to Mike Dineen of WZLD, the chief organizer and promoter of the raft race. Dineen said over 1,000 rafts were entered in the race, and many more participated that were not registered. ?NE SPECTATOR, who obcorvwl thn rapo frnm (ho Rlnocnm * VVi V* IV/ A MVV Am VIII V*IV AJIW7UVIII St. Bridge, said, "It was crazy - all these rafts and inner tubes floating by with every kind of person on them you could imagine. They were all partying down." Many of the rafts expressed the rider's originality in their design. There was a raft made like an Indian teepee, and the riders were dressed like Indians. One person had transported a dock to the river, while another had a still on his raft. Inmr tubes were the most At nr*l pu|Muir ran ucmxi ui ure race. 111c common factor among the rafts was the cooler or ice chest accompanying each entry. While spectators lined the entire three mile stretch of river, the majority of people gathered at the starting place which was the Senate St. Launch Ramp, and at f5 Oufcitai To Becoi Cultural YOU WILL SEE Tl 1. Atlanta Contempc October 3,1979 2. Count Basie November 14,15 13. Hal Holbrook in M February 22,197! A. nhin Rallikf V m BTtM 11^ ? March 13,1980 5. The Charlotte Synr Eugene Fodor April 10,1980 LAST DAY FOR* ORDER YOUR! AVAILABLE AT ran* . '1a&? . -' t&ittfLZki-L t ? one w the finishing noint on OIH Stntp Road. At the finishing point, as tired and slightly drunk rafters climbed up the steep bank to the clearing, they joined thousands of people spread out on blankets and inner tubes, enjoying the sun and social activity. MARIJUANA WAS smoked openly, with police surveillance almost nonexistent. "1 think the cops were scared to come over here. They're mostly sticking to the traffic problems," Charlie Peeples, a local vendor at the race, said. Dineen was delighted with the way the race turned out. "We had the usual amount of chaos, but nothing really disorderly. I didn't really know what to expect before," he said. "The weather was nice, the water level was perfect, compliments of Hurricane David. It turned out to be a great day." Jeff Kurklen, a student from Atlanta, works with the American Rafting Association every summer. He explained the organization of the races. "THE AHA sends 30 of their people to each race, to sell Tshirts, put up tents and help supervise the race. There were 10 races this summer, but the raft race is catching on like crazy," Kurklen said. "Next year they're thinking about having two groups of oeonle. one to cover the races in the west, the other in the east. They would meet in Atlanta for the big one." iding Rtai mm R USC series Me HESE EVENTS: >rary Dance Company >79 ark Twain Tonight 9 iphony Orchestra with guest SFMBERSHIPS?OCTOBER 3,1979 j TODAY?THE RESERVE SEATS Y< : RUSSELL HOUSE TRAVQ. CENTEI \; t' Sponsored by the RHUU Cultural letfa rtdtfitew and South Carolna Arts Cor *. *? r.* * -# j> 4#.? <>.# ? - .v.. -. ^ > aun, ild time Kurklen said the turnout for the Congaree River race was excellent for the first year. He enjoys meeting people and said that the weekend races are like minivacations for him. The raft race was well publicized by WZLD, co-sponsor of the race. A bluegrass tune called the "Ramblin' Haft Race Song," by Tom Freeman, was played consistantly. The only problem encountered during the event, was a 45-minute loss of power in the sound system. The Carolina Rebels, a local bluegrass band, provided appropriate music for the crowd's rowdy mood. FIRST AID experts present said only a dozen people were treated for minor problems such as cuts and heat exhaustion. Three persons had to be airlifted out by Medivac helicopters, but their injuries were not serious. One spectator commented on the possibility of a rafter drowning. "Well, not in water. But a lot of people drowned themselves in alcohol." Dineen said the event will definately be a part of Columbia life for the next few vears. Crowds expected for next year's race number 50,000 or more. MIKE SHAEPE of Columbia summerized the general attitude of the crowd. "I'm tired and hot and pretty drunk, and I didn't win. But to tell you the truth, I don't give a damn who won. I'll see you next year; right here on this river." onm 6 I li mbvr 1. Save 2( Mi 2. Best se 3. Those I priority sc 4. Save tir 5. In the soloist Members 6. Your su in the fut&i OU GET TODAY WIU BE BETTER 1 It (ROOM 209) AND THE TOWNS* Committee, USC Student ABocatiom G rtmb$km. rtum MM .? # * .? # * .? * . \ ~ r- . .? gg^rer. jir . \?><*-. v jl I ^ ^ j v^"^ ^ * ^" | ^ ^ Captain Sam Drummond Dihtr 1 nportant Reasons I 1-62% over individual tickets. gj embership Prices: USC Student $12.50 1 B IC/" (tio nn hi ujv avuuy aiivi jtaii q> io.uu |i Senior Citizens $12.50 R Non-USC Students $18.00 ! Public $24.00 I its for all shows go to Season Members. that are Season Members this year will receive first mating next year. vie?no monthly trips to the box office. event that the series sells out, on a Season hip basis, you will not miss your favorites. ipport helps guarantee a more lively Arts Program ire. MAN THOSE YOU GET TOMORROW! i iir nuA urriLt e mmktkm and In part by Mm National Endowment for tHc Am, Sootfeem Arts J