Neches River Rendezvous

However, event organizers are optimistic that 2025 will bring better weather and river conditions and are actively planning for a successful event – the 25^th Annual Neches River Rendezvous –  to be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025. 

ANRA Executive Manager of Communications Kimberly Wagner said, “We started getting calls and emails about participating in and volunteering in the 2025 Rendezvous back around Thanksgiving and it is so encouraging to see just how loved this event is.  We are looking forward to hosting an amazing and fun adventure for our community in 2025.”

ANRA is working with multiple local volunteer organizations to put together the event, including the Deep East Texas Amateur Radio Club, Hudson Fire Department Search and Rescue Team, Scouting America (previously Boy Scouts of America) as well as several local food truck vendors and kayak and canoe outfitters.

“It really does take a village to put this event together so that it both safe and fun.  Last year, we had 150 volunteers signed up to help and we anticipate needing about that same amount for 2025,” Wagner said.  Volunteers are still needed to help with registration, oversee games and contests, serve as van shuttle drivers, assist with parking, help with setup and cleanup, and more.

The staging area for the Rendezvous will be at International Paper’s North Boggy Slough.  Participants and volunteers will park and register at Boggy Slough and will then be shuttled to the launch location upriver at Anderson Crossing.  There will be four staggered launch times to avoid overcrowding. 

After a leisurely 3-4 hours paddling the river, participants will end their journey at the Highway 7 bridge, next to Hackberry Bunkhouse & Kayak Rentals, where they will be assisted by volunteers, to get out of the river and shuttled back to Boggy Slough. 

No experience is needed to participate in the event, however, anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present.  Life jackets are required to be worn for all participants.  Safety checkpoints will also be located at several locations along the paddling trail.

Early registration will be March 3rd through April 18th and late registration will be April 19th through May 2nd.

ANRA is seeking local sponsorships to host the event.  “Of course, we couldn’t hold the event without our sponsors.  There’s a lot of expenses involved in making the Rendezvous happen that most people don’t realize.  We have sponsorship levels ranging from $250 to $5,000, so no matter how big or small your business is, you can get involved.  We are so grateful for our sponsors and go the extra mile to recognize them and make them feel appreciated,” Wagner said.

For more information, call the Authority’s Central Office Facility at (936) 632-7795, email recreation@anra.org, keep checking back here on this page, or find both ANRA’s and the Rendezvous’ event pages on Facebook.  We can’t wait to see you out on the river!