During the summer months, a steady stream of tourists heads through Skowhegan en route to some of the best whitewater rafting the state has to offer.

Greg Dore and a group of Skowhegan volunteers have a bold vision for their town, and want to give those whitewater enthusiasts a reason to stop and stay for a bit.

This weekend, they’re asking people to show their support – symbolically and financially – for the Run of River project during the town’s first RiverFest celebration.

Three days of activities are on tap, and chances are good that if you decide to attend any of the events, you’ll also learn a bit more about Run of River’s goal.

Run of River is a proposed whitewater park that Dore and others are raising funds to support.

A feasibility study has been completed, and if everything continues to go according to plan, the park could be up and running by 2010, Dore said.

The group’s plans are ambitious, to say the least: They want to transform a 2,000-foot section of the Kennebec River into a popular destination for thrill-seeking whitewater paddlers.

“We’re intending to install some structures in the river that would create holes or standing waves or other features that would attract whitewater enthusiasts,” Dore said. “It’s almost impossible to get [something like this] done in the state of Maine. We just have some unique circumstances around the project that allow us to get this done in the river.”

One key factor, he pointed out, is that while putting “structures” in a river might not sound like the kind of thing that state regulators would allow, in this case, Run of River would be trying to return the Kennebec to a more natural state.

“Actually, we’d be restoring the river,” Dore said. “The thing that’s unique about Skowhegan is that the gorge was blasted about 100 years ago to try to help with the logging industry, and it just ruined the habitat. We want to restore the river to its natural state, which would enhance the fishing, the habitat in there, as well as create a recreational park that all could enjoy.”

Dore said similar parks have been built in Colorado and Kentucky, but not in the northeast.

And he thinks building one in Skowhegan makes perfect sense, not only from a river conservation standpoint, but from an economic one.

“When you look at the economics for central Maine as far as the whitewater enthusiasts that come through, [northern Somerset county is very busy],” Dore said. “They’ve got to go right through Skowhegan to get there. These people often go [rafting] for just one day. This could enhance [the experience] for them.”

Dore said the Run of River project began three years ago, and the community support has been strong.

Putting on a festival that focuses on the recreational opportunities that exist on the Kennebec is a natural next step that will give Run of River volunteers a chance to share their vision with even more people.

The weekend’s activities features plenty of options for people of all ages.

The schedule of events for Skowhegan RiverFest:

. “The Watering Hole,” a pub night, is set for Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the municipal parking lot. Beverages and food will be served; attendees must be older than 21.

. “Rolling on the River” raft rides will be offered from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Special interpreter rides will be offered at 10 and noon on Saturday and Sunday. All safety gear will be provided and the trips are perfect for anyone from age 5 to senior citizens.

. “Tubing in the Gorge” rides will be offered from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

. A bike rodeo and family fun events, including a climbing wall, fly tying and casting and river rock painting, will be staged from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday.

. Recreational canoe and kayak races will be run between 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information call 474-6901 or 474-6651. The finals will take place on Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

. A concert featuring Suzie & the Smelts will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Coburn Park.

. A glow stick river run will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Participants are encouraged to be creative and light up their canoe or kayak for a ride on the river. The $5 registration fee includes a glow stick, and additional glow sticks will be available for purchase.

. A 5K road race will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Call Greg Dore at 474-6911 for information.

. Whitewater rescue demonstrations will run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday.

John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.