It’s not every day that you see a bunch of homemade rafts battling their way down the Scioto River. But that’s exactly what festival-goers saw when they headed downtown for the inaugural Scioto Superfest in the summer of 1986. Sponsored by Motorists Insurance Co, the festival took place on a bright, sunny weekend in late July.
The festival promised to be an annual event, luring thousands to the riverbanks from Riverfront Park to Bicentennial Park. The goal? To celebrate the river, raise funds for park maintenance, and simply have a blast.
The Main Attractions
From dawn to dusk, the Scioto Superfest was packed with activities.
The Homemade Raft Race
A view of Rainbow Warrior II, one of the entries in the Scioto Superfest homemade raft competition. A “Save the Whales” sign flies from the raft. Photo by David E. Lucas.
If there was one event that captured the spirit of the Scioto Superfest, it was the homemade raft race. Imagine a parade of rafts crafted from the most unconventional materials, each competing not just for speed but for creativity.
A view of a Columbus Police boat assisting Fred & Howard’s, the German Village flamingos entry into the Scioto Superfest homemade raft competition. Photo by David E. Lucas.
Race day was a mix of creativity and chaos. Crowds lined the riverbanks, cheering on the raft racers as they embarked on their quarter-mile journey. Some rafts, like the Floating Six-Pack, were held together with duct tape and prayers, while others, like The Pink Flamingo, faced mechanical hiccups but kept going with style.
Beyond the Raft Race
While the raft race was the main event, the Scioto Superfest had plenty more to offer. From water ski shows and steamboat rides to a carnival midway and WBBY’s Jazz Festival, there was something for everyone. Families enjoyed delicious bites from local restaurants set up along the riverfront, and the night ended with concerts at the Riverfront Amphitheater, keeping the fun going.
A Splashy Start and Rapid Growth
The Superfest kicked off in 1986, drawing about 50,000 spectators eager to see the imaginative homemade raft races. Over the years, the event expanded, adding high-speed powerboat races, water-skiing shows, canoe and kayak races, and even a nationwide Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. By 1989, attendance had soared to 200,000, with activities spread over a full weekend.
These high-speed events attracted national attention and transformed the festival into a significant sporting event. The competition grew fierce, with boats reaching speeds over 100 mph and sometimes crashing. In 1990, the races even determined the National Powerboat Championships.
The Festival’s Heyday and Decline
Each year, the Superfest evolved, introducing new events like the Nationwide/MJ USA Jet Ski Series and expanding children’s activities with Splish Splash Land. However, despite its popularity, the festival faced challenges.
By the early ‘90s, securing enough sponsorship and support became increasingly difficult and the official end of the festival came by way of announcement in 1994 that the City of Columbus declined to continue sponsoring the fest.
Although events like the Scioto Superfest and the Columbus 500 (AKA the time they turned downtown into a race track) aren’t likely to make a comeback, they left a lasting impression on our city. They were unique and fun, and it’s a shame they’re no longer part of our annual calendar, even if they are a little whimsical.
