====== Deerfield Fest August 3rd, 2024, Charlemont, Mass ======
Join American Whitewater at Deerfield Festival Weekend on the August 3 - August 4th weekend at Berkshire East in Charlemont, MA. Enjoy a weekend of paddling on the Deerfield River and then join us at Deerfield Fest for live music, paddlesports vendors, and a silent auction to benefit American Whitewater's river conservation and recreation access work throughout the northeast. Admission to the event is $10.
The Deerfield Festival Weekend will include these exciting events:
Deerfield Fest, Saturday, August 3, Berkshire East Mountain For more than 25 years, American Whitewater has hosted the Deerfield Fest to celebrate the successful dam relicensing process that provides 32 annual whitewater releases on the Dryway and 106 annual whitewater releases on Fife Brook. The main festival activities take place on Saturday evening from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Berkshire East and provide entertainment for both paddlesport and non-paddlesport enthusiasts young and old. The Deerfield River Festival is a critical fundraiser for American Whitewater, and is one of our premiere events. All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater’s conservation and access work throughout the Northeast including the dam relicensings on the Deerfield and nearby Connecticut River.Deerfield Fest will feature music by Lakeside Drive.
Zoar Outdoor Demos & Clinics, Saturday, August 3rd and Sunday, August 4th
Stop by the Zoar Outdoor outfitters shop while you're in town for great sales on paddling equipment. You can also demo a variety of kayaks and apply the rental fee towards a kayak purchase. Additionally, if you purchase a kayak you will receive a $50 merchandise credit for any accessories to go with your new boat! Looking to learn paddling skills? Reserve your clinic spot with their renown paddling school!
Other activities during the Festival Weekend will include races and other fun on-water activities hosted by our community partners.
Location
The Deerfield Fest location will be held at Berkshire East this year to highlight the breadth of outdoor recreation in the Charlemont area including mountain biking, ziplining, and skiing. Food and beverage will be provided by Berkshire East at Crazy Horse. We will have music by Lakeside Drive, paddlesports vendors, and a silent auction to benefit AW.
Volunteering
American Whitewater needs your help! Volunteers are a key part of the success of Deerfield Fest. This is one of the easiest ways to help American Whitewater's river stewardship work, by helping us put on this critical fundraiser.
Volunteers can sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/WHCDC (sign up sheet will go live in mid-June!)
Volunteers can reach out to Erin Buzuvis at ebuzuvis@yahoo.com with any questions.
The River
The Dryway (Monroe Bridge)
The Monroe Bridge Section (aka the”Dryway”) offers exciting class III-IV boating for intermediates and experts. The crux of the run is Dragon's Tooth Rapid (Class IV). For more information on The Dryway (Monroe Bridge) Section, including gauges, maps, shuttle, and pictures, check out the AW River page.
Fife Brook
The Fife Brook Section offers solid class II boating with one class III rapid at the end (that can easily be portage if so desired). This stretch is ideal for beginners and budding intermediates. For more information on the Fife Brook Section, including gauges, maps, shuttle, and pictures, check out the AW River page.
Camping
Berkshire East Mountain Resort 66 Thunder Mountain Rd Charlemont, MA 01339 413-339-6618
Zoar Outdoor 7 Main Street Charlemont, MA 01339 413-339-4010
Foolhardy Hill Campground 232 Zoar Road Charlemont, MA 01339 413-849-9496
Country Aire Campground 1753 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA 01370 413-625-2996
Mohawk Park Camping Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA 01339 413-339-4470
D.A.R. State Forest 78 Cape Street Goshen, MA 01032 413-268-7098
Savoy Mountain State Forest 260 Central Shaft Road Florida, MA 01247 877-422-6762
Stump Sprouts Guest Lodge 64 West Hill Road Hawley, MA 01339 413-339-4265
Blue Heron Farm Vacation Rentals 8 Warner Hill Road #1 Charlemont, MA 01339 (413) 339-4045
Camp Cozie Nook Ashfield, MA 413-628-3254
Peppermint Park Camping Resort 169 Grant Street Plainfield, MA 01070 413-634-5385
Barton Cove Campground 82 French King Hwy Gill, MA 01354 413-863-9300
Travelers Woods of NE 152 River Street Bernardston, MA 01337 413-648-9109
CLOSED for 2023 Season - Mohawk Trail State Forest Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA 01339 877-422-6762
Raffles and Silent Auction
American Whitewater's raffles and silent auction are a highlight of many attending the Deerfield River Festival. Each year festival attendees get great deals on boats, paddles, gear, camping gear, and much more.
Rain Date: There is no rain date for Deerfield Fest. Although the festival is held entirely outside, we put on the festival rain or shine. The majority of folks that attend are outdoors minded and are undeterred by a little rain.