Flashback Friday: 30 Years Ago at the WROK/WZOK Rock River Raft Race

Back in the day, the full title was the WROK/WZOK Anything That Floats Rock River Raft Race. We pulled the plug after many great years of river adventures, but last year the race was revived by a different organization under a new name.

This Sunday, the Rock River Anything That Floats Race will be back on the water for their 2nd annual race, and if it's anything like last year--you're in for a great time.

Before we jump in the way-back video machine, here are some details about Sunday's event, courtesy of the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB):

The race course is 1.65 miles in length and ends in a grand finish at Prairie Street Brewhouse. The scenic course offers a variety of viewing options for the thousands of spectators who will attend: Auburn Street Bridge, the Whitman Street Bridge, and along the Rock River Recreation Path. Bring your picnic baskets or enjoy concession served by local City Market vendors at the Symbol parking lot just south of the Auburns Street bridge, the Nicholas Conservatory and on the grounds of the Prairie Street Brewhouse all day long.

• 10:00 AM - Sign in starts for all categories (SUP, Kayaks, Canoes, and Rafts)
• 10:30 AM - Sign in ends for SUP, Kayaks, and Canoes
• 11:00 AM - SUP, Kayak, Canoe race starts
• Live Music, Entertainment, Food, and Drinks starting at 11 AM
• 11:30 AM – Raft Race Registration ends
• 12:00/Noon – Anything That Floats Raft Race will begin!!!
• 3:30 - Duck Drop off Whitman St. Bridge
• 4:00 - Awards Ceremony

Now, about that trip back in time. I was perusing through our station archives recently when I stumbled upon some camcorder footage that was shot at 1987's (it might be 1988, we're not positive) WROK/WZOK Anything That Floats Rock River Raft Race. Take a look at the following vids, as you may recognize some of the people you'll see. You'll also get a look at some of us in the local radio biz sporting some really happening 80s fashions:

Here's some of the footage from 1991: