John Wesley Powell River History Museum | 2026 River Runners Hall of Fame Festival

2026 River Runners Hall of Fame Festival

Photo by Dawn Kish

2026 River Runners Hall of Fame Festival

Every generation, a few river runners change the current of history. On October 2 and 3, the river community will gather in Green River to welcome Mildred “Millie” Davis, Linda “Big Linda” Wittkopf, Kenton Grua, and pioneering European kayakers Walter Kirschbaum, Roger Paris, and Ulrich “Uli” Martins into the River Runners Hall of Fame. Their stories are daring, original, and deeply human—and best heard in the company of people who understand the pull of a river.

More than an induction ceremony, the Hall of Fame Festival is a reunion: two days of unforgettable stories, time on the water, shared meals, old friends, and new connections. As the Colorado River system enters a new era, the courage and curiosity embodied by this year’s inductees are more than qualities to admire—they are an invitation to the generations who follow.

Come celebrate the people who dared to imagine what was possible—

and be inspired to think big, go big, and live big.

Learn more about each of these individuals on our blog.

2026 Inductees

Preliminary Schedule of Activities

Friday, October 2 - Green River High School

5:30 pm – Doors Open
5:45 pm – Presentations for Millie Davis and European Kayakers Ulrich “Uli” Martins, Roger Paris, and Walter Kirschbaum
7:30 pm – After-Party at Ray’s Tavern (on-your-own)

All induction presentations will take place at Green River High School, 455 400 North Street.

Saturday, October 3 - Museum & Green River High School

8:00 am – Pancake Breakfast at Swasey’s Beach (limited to 100 attendees)

Sponsored by Holiday River Expeditions

Space is limited – be sure to select this free add-on option when purchasing your tickets.

9:15 am – Swasey’s Beach Service Project in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management

Open to Breakfast ticketholders.
Opportunity to join River Ranger Bobby Hollahan to give back for the great opportunity to come together at this iconic beach.
Watch for an email late September to join the crew.

11:00 am – River Float

Bring your own watercraft and join the fun! Please note this is an independent, non-sponsored float on your own.
Carryable craft launch from the Museum; trailered craft from the up-river launch.

12:00 pm – Lunch at Green River State Park

Sponsored by OARS

Included in ticket price.
Bring your own chair and beverage cup.

Time TBD – New Exhibit Opening “The Kayak Revolution”

4:30 pm – The Loie Belknap Evans Opening Reception on the Museum Patio

Catered by Culinary Concepts Southwest

Included in ticket price.
Join us riverside under the patio along the river front to catch-up with friends.
Bring your own chair & beverage cup! (Some chairs will be available

6:00pm Move to Green River High School (455 400 North Street) for the Induction Ceremonies

6:30 pm Induction Ceremonies at the Green River High School Theater

Presentations for “Big” Linda Wittkopf and Kenton Grua.
Special presentation by Kevin Fedarko.

2026 Sponsors

The Hall of Fame Festival is made possible through the collective generosity of all of our sponsors.

We are grateful for every organization and individual whose support brings this gathering to life.