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Rafters Rocking River Fun
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After an exhilarating ride down the river from Knights Ferry, participants in the Rock on the River event stopped at the Orange Blossom Recreation Center for more fun and games that included a hot dog eating contest. Pictured, the contestants eat as many hot dogs as they can in five minutes. At center, Juan Gutierrez from Merced, was the clear winner. He outpaced all the other competitors with a happy grin as he ate more than 10 hot dogs. - photo by Kim Van Meter/The Leader

More than 120 people converged on Knights Ferry on Sunday, July 1 for the 96.7 co-sponsored ‘Rock on the River’ event to enjoy the rapids of the Stanislaus River. The event was co-sponsored by River Journey Adventures and the Institute of Technology (IOT) of Modesto and featured water games, a hot dog eating contest and various fun activities once the rafters reached the Orange Blossom Recreation Center. The IOT culinary program donated food and staff to provide a free lunch for the first 100 rafters to reach the end point at Orange Blossom. It was a day of laughter, good times, and good, clean fun that only cost $20 per person. Though not officially a holiday event, for many it was a good way to kick start the Fourth of July festivities. The evening also included the annual fireworks display at Woodward Reservoir, off 26-Mile Road.