2022 marks the 74th anniversary of FIBArk, the nation's oldest whitewater festival and Salida's signature event. Since 1949, every June during the Spring snow runoff, Salida has hosted FIBArk, "First in Boating on the Arkansas."
FIBArk Community Paddling Center envisions a community where all community members have access to education, events and programs in whitewater paddlesports. Where all community youth are given opportunities to discover whitewater paddlesports and river safety, and where everyone is supported in learning about the history of FIBArk and this amazing river we call home.