May 22 - 26, 2008







About Boatnik

Since 1959, The Grants Pass Active Club has held Boatnik every Memorial Day weekend in Grants Pass, Oregon. The activities start Thursday evening in Riverside Park with the Davis Shows Carnival. Saturday morning is the well-known Boatnik parade. After the parade makes its way through Grants Pass, the focus then becomes Riverside Park where there is a whirlwind of activities to include: arts and crafts, food venders, pizza eating contest, children’s ID booth, boat racing and various other activities.  Monday is the highlight of Boatnik featuring the WORLD FAMOUS WHITE WATER HYDROPLANE RACE.
All money raised by the Grants Pass Active Club is returned to the community to help local children and youth programs. Donations are made to such areas as: Individual Children, Boys and Girls Club, 4H, Dare Program, Boys and Girls Scouts, Soccer and Baseball Programs, High School Scholarships, Local Parks, School Programs, and many other activities and projects that are too numerous to mention. The Grants Pass Active Club has also purchased the playground equipment at the All Sports Park and Morrison Park. In recent years, the Grants Pass Active Club has also helped many needy children and families during the Holiday season by purchasing coats and other items to help make it a more enjoyable time.

Active Club members donate their time and resources throughout the year to make Boatnik a wonderful event. Please join us in continuing this effort to make a difference in the lives of our community children!



PARADE ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO PRINT ONLINE

Boatnik Activities

  • The Boatnik Parade, More Floats, Best Float contest. Bands, and Cars
  • Golf Shoot-out Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 6:00 pm.
  • Memorial Day F-15 flyover approx 12:30 pm
  • Children's ID Booth located in the upper park area at the Gazebo. 
  • Davis Shows Carnival with kiddie rides.
  • Boat Racing Saturday, Sunday and Monday
  • World Famous White Water Hydroplane Race on Monday
  • Drag Boats Saturday and Sunday afternoon on the river at Riverside Park.
  • Marathon Boats Saturday on the river at Riverside Park.
  • Sprint Boat Racing on the river at Riverside Park. This is a timed obstacle course.
  • Men’s Fast Pitch Tournament at Riverside Park
  • Monday-Sunday Ice Cream give away in Riverside Park for Children 12 and under.
  • And Much, Much More!


Grants Pass Active Club, PO Box 961, Grants Pass, OR 97528