The weather forecast calls for temperatures below freezing, but that won’t stop dozens of winter-hardy paddlers from participating in the 6th Annual Polar Bear Paddle this Saturday on the Etowah River.

The six-mile canoe and kayak trip down the Etowah from Jim Dixon Landing at Grizzard Park to Heritage Park in downtown Rome is sponsored by Keep Rome Beautiful, the Rome’s River E.C.O. Center and the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI). There is no charge to participate.

Paddlers will push off from the landing beginning around 10:30 a.m. following a safety

briefing and announcements. Complimentary canoes and kayaks provided by CRBI and the City of Rome are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants must pre-register by visiting the CRBI website at www.coosa.org. For additional information, contact CRBI volunteer paddle trip coordinator, Alan Crawford, at 706-346-3509, or call CRBI at 706-232-2724.

Shuttles from Heritage Park to Grizzard Park following the paddle will be provided by CRBI. Motorized boats will patrol the six miles of river to ensure the safety of participants.

“Last year we had snow on the ground for the event,” said CRBI Executive Director & Riverkeeper Joe Cook. “We won’t have it this year, but we will have a spirited crowd. I expect we’ll see a variety of polar-bear-themed outfits and boats.”

In past years, more than 100 paddlers have participated in the event. Paddlers will receive maps highlighting points of interest along the route. Hot chocolate and donuts will be provided.