Flamboyant tubing? Salt River Tubing adds extra spice and sizzle to its floating picnic during the Mardi Gras Magic event on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Lower Salt River, Tonto National Forest in Mesa.
The Mardi Gras Magic event, co-sponsored by Tonto National Forest, POWER 98.3 FM radio and Salt River Tubing, is aligned with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s More Kids in the Woods commitment in meeting the challenge of reduced youth involvement in outdoor activities.
Let the good times roll on the Salt River rapids, and join the merriment as flamboyantly Mardi Gras-costumed river employees toss out free Mardi Gras beads and the Parade of Floats (buses) shuttle tubers to and from the river. Cajun music will be rocking as revelers dance with Salt River Tubing’s infamous line dancers on the beach!
Salt River Tubing will be awarding free tubing passes and limited edition Mardi Gras Magic T-shirts for Best Tuber Mardi Gras costumes. Event details are available at www.saltrivertubing.com.
“Teens need a hook to encourage them to get outdoors in the summer,” said Henri Breault, president and chief executive officer of Salt River Tubing. “They occupy their time primarily by watching television, social networking online and checking out the latest movies at the theatres. Our company’s costume-themed events (Rockin’ Rodeo, Halloween and Mardi Gras) offer unique adventures for teens exploring the great outdoors,” he continued.
“Present day teens are the future parents of our nation, and the More Kids in the Woods Forest Service national program was expressly designed to encourage efforts to get kids and teens outdoors,” Henri said. “If teens today are introduced to memorable opportunities in the great outdoors on public lands, the likelihood they will bring their own children into the woods is increased greatly. The Mardi Gras event is attended by thousands each year and draws more participants than the July Fourth holiday weekend.”
For more information about Salt River Tubing, please visit the web site at www.saltrivertubing.com, or call (480) 984-3305. Daily operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The cost of tube rental is $15 per person/tube, which includes inner tube rental, free parking, and shuttle bus service.
Children must be 8 years or older and at least four feet tall for tube rental and shuttle bus service. Life vests should be worn at all times by children, non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers.
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.
Drugs, alcohol and the Salt River do not mix. Just don’t do it! Have a great time, and appoint a designated driver before your tubing adventure.
Salt River Tubing is located in Northeast Mesa, 15 miles north of U.S. Highway 60 East or 7 minutes from the 202 East on North Power Road.