Salt River Tubing’s Madcap Mardi Gras Magic event will have floaters enjoying a purple, green and gold Cajun floating beach blast adventure on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the rocking Salt River in Tonto National Forest.
Let the Good Times Roll as flamboyantly costumed river employees toss free Mardi Gras beads and doubloons, Zydeco Bounce line dancers wow the crowds, and the Parade of Floats (buses) provide Cajun-style shuttles to the Salt River.
Costumes are optional for tubers. However, free tubing passes and Limited Edition Madcap Mardi Gras Magic T-shirts will be awarded for the best Mardi Gras costumes and event contests. Paint your face, don a mask and throw on your Mardi Gras beads.
“Salt River Tubing’s costume-themed events have been very successful in capturing the attention of teens and encouraging them to get outdoors and experience fun in the sun adventures on the Salt River,” said Salt River Tubing President and Chief Executive Officer Henri Breault.
“Arizona’s sizzling temperatures have a tendency to drive teens and their families indoors during the summer months. The uniqueness of celebrating Mardi Gras in the summertime while shooting the Salt River rapids will encourage them to get outdoors and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure in Tonto National Forest,” he continued.
“Enjoy the beauty of our mini Grand Canyon recreational paradise,” Henri suggested. “Catch a glimpse of the wild horses crossing mid-stream, blue herons gliding across the water and the majestic mountains as you float by with family and friends during Madcap Mardi Gras Magic.”
Invited event exhibitors include KISSFM 104.7 radio, Monster Energy and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office—Community Affairs Team.
The Madcap Mardi Gras Magic event, co-sponsored by KISSFM 104.7 radio and Salt River Tubing, is aligned with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service’s More Kids in the Woods commitment in meeting the challenge of reduced youth involvement in outdoor activities. The program was expressly designed to encourage efforts to get kids and teens outdoors.
Great News! Salt River Tubing is celebrating its 35th anniversary of fun in the sun on the Lower Salt River, and is accepting credit cards this year. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards are accepted. Credit card transactions will require a minimum $20 tube rental transaction. A valid driver’s license also is required for credit card identification. For more details, please visit saltrivertubing.com.
Salt River Tubing operates in Tonto National Forest under permit of the USDA Forest Service.
The cost of tube rental is only $17 per person or tube, which includes tube rental, shuttle bus ride and free parking at the Salt River Tubing Terminal Building. As a security deposit, one valid driver’s license is required for every five tubes rented. Tubing passes are valid on return visit.
The latest tube rental is 2 p.m.—weather and water flow permitting. The last shuttle bus pickup is 6:30 p.m.
Tubing Tips
- Children must be 8 years old or older and at least 4 feet tall for tube rental and shuttle bus service.
- Children, non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should wear life vests.
- Glass containers are prohibited by law in the Lower Salt River Recreational Area and will be confiscated. Ice chests and coolers will be inspected for glass containers before boarding shuttle buses. Please bring plastic or can beverage containers.
- Drink one to two bottles of water per hour while floating.
- Have a great time celebrating Madcap Mardi Gras Magic by appointing a designated driver before your tubing adventure.
- Play it safe—drugs, alcohol and the Salt River do not mix. Just don’t do it.
Daily hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with weather and water flow permitting. Salt River Tubing is open seven days a week.
Salt River Tubing is located in beautiful Tonto National Forest, just seven minutes from Highway 202 East and Power Road Exit 23A.
Please visit www.saltrivertubing.com for event details and past Mardi Gras Magic event photos and videos. To view an additional Mardi Gras Magic video, click on vimeo.com/72022196.
For more information about Salt River Tubing, please visit www.saltrivertubing.com, or call (480) 984-3305.
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