The Big Float 3 will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, July 28, 2013 on the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The goal, quite simply, is to encourage people to “get into the river” and support its preservation and healthy development as a recreational resource. And to have a whale of a good time in the process.

Open to all ages, the event begins with, naturally, a parade. Floaters gather near the east entrance to the Hawthorne Bridge (see map), then carry or wear their flotation devices across the bridge and march south along Waterfront Park to the put-in point at the beach area beneath the Marquam Bridge.

Floaters will paddle down river and land on the west bank at the Tom McCall Bowl. Here, where we UnRocked the Beach last fall, Portland's first downtown beach party will be held - complete with music barge and 3 live bands, food carts, sponsor booths, and a kids' area where the Grand Ronde Tribes will present Native American crafts.

This newly created beach area, open for public swimming, was formed by TBF volunteers as part of the Human Access Project.