What use to be a small, unofficial, unorganized festival has turned into a growing cult following. Three years ago I attended ALF and it was a blast. With about 50 or so open boaters the year I went the event has grown to just over 100 paddlers this year.

If you are looking for river-side crowds, beer tents, live bands and vendor alleys, this is not the event for you. This is a pure grass-roots event forged from the desire to paddle some steep and freaky stuff, period.

For those looking to attend and paddle with the ALFers, www.waldensridgewhitewater.com has some information has a forum running dedicated strictly to Ain't Louie Fest.

The official dates according to the website are Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 9:00pm - Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 11:00pm.

Ontario boater and Cartoonist of Bubblestreet, Paul Mason, will be attending and has created stickers and T-shirts. According to Paul the shirts will be Carolina Blue and the image will be imprinted on front of shirt. Also shipping will not be available this year so all shirts purchased will be available for pick-up at ALF only.

Going to ALF, you can order your shirt at www.horizontees.com.