Float the Allegheny 2023

Saturday, May 20

Float the Allegheny -- South Union Olean to Allegany Boat Launch (1st Street)

Drop in at 10 a.m. knowing that the After Float Party runs from 12 to 5 p.m.

Float the Allegheny: Introduced in 2022 by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, that event consisted of several water and land events.  For 2023, the M3 will consist of Float the Allegheny, non-timed regatta running from South Union Street in Olean to the Four Mile/1st Street in Allegany.  The event will also feature a timed regatta.  Those staying after, there will be a fun festival atmosphere for all – music, food, refreshments, cornhole and more.

What is the fee? The event will have a fee of $20 per participant and includes a float promo item and refreshments (food and two brews*).  The promo item will be guaranteed to those that register by May 1st.

Registration: By purchasing online, you will be registered for the event. Packet pick up will begin Monday, May 15th at the Olean Chamber office, 301 North Union Street, Olean from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Those unable to pick up their packet will have it available at the end of the Float at Allegany River Park, that Saturday, May 20th.

Ages: Teams can feature any age of participants (waivers for those under 18 will need to be signed by parent/guardian). NOTE -- that is the only reason why we ask for age on other side.

PARKING/TRANSPORT: Parking is at a minimum at launch. Event organizers encourage dropping off floating vessels at the start and park at Allegany launch. The Allegany launch is handicap accessible and located at 34 West Union Street, Allegany.

FLOAT?  What’s the distance: Dropping in at South Union Street and going to the Allegany launch is roughly 4.735 miles.  For those wanting a challenge -- drop in at Steam Valley and float to Allegany -- roughly double the distance for a 9.4 mile launch.

WHEN can we float? When do we need to arrive at Allegany? We encourage you to drop in at South Union Street Olean no later then 10 a.m.  This gives you 2-3 hours to float (and barely paddle-pending water levels) to arrive at Allegany River Park around 1 p.m.  Action at the park goes till 5 p.m.

AFTER FLOAT PARTY: The party starts at Allegany River Park at 12 and runs till 5 p.m.  The Olean Cornhole Club will have a cornhole tourney, music will be provided by Cattaraugus Creek, refreshments (*alcoholic/non-alcoholic) will be available. Food vendors like The Pig Out Place and Hungry Burro will be serving up their delicious foods.

OTHER DETAILS: Each participant needs to have a PFD with them at all times while in water vessel and it needs to be visible to organizers. GOACC encourages all to prepare for regatta/float with water, sunscreen, some type of shoe (in case you have to carry vessel through low spots) and non-glass drinks.  They also encourage whatever you bring out you bring back – that includes empty snack containers, garbage, water bottles, etc. Do not litter on the river or at the launch site.