Float Your Fanny looks for new leadership for 2026 and beyond

Image courtesy of Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny Facebook

By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

Port Hope

Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny on April 12 should be one for the books, but the event is looking for new leadership for 2026 and beyond.

As Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny returns April 12, it will mark the last one co-chaired by Barry Adamson and Barrileigh Price – who have announced their intention to seek new leadership to carry the event forward after 15 years at the helm.

Price declared the decision bittersweet in the announcement, calling this achievement a true labour of love.

“It has been incredible to watch the event grow into a true family festival,” she said.

“My family has been working behind the scenes and on the riverbank for 15 years – my youngest son is 15. Our involvement as as family has been very fulfilling and holistic. While we're stepping away from our leadership roles, we are excited to see the next generation take the reins and continue the Float Your Fanny legacy.”

Begun on the one-year anniversary of a catastrophic flood that caused large-scale damage to Port Hope's downtown, the event has evolved beyond a river race into a full-scale festival that draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It has become a must-visit spring attraction, thanks to the work of dedicated sponsors and volunteers, not to mention the fearless participants who brave the icy waters.

“We are incredibly proud of what this event has become,” Adamson stated.

“Through the hard work of so many people, we've enhanced safety measures, expanded the festival and solidified Port Hope as a destination for adventure and community spirit. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the Municipality of Port Hope, our volunteers, sponsors and participants.

“We may be retiring as event chairs after 2025, but we will always remain champions of Float Your Fanny.”

Price and Adamson emphasized a commitment to making the 2025 edition one for the history books.

Following the event, a public meeting will be held for those interested in stepping into leadership roles for 2026 and beyond. Details will be made available on the event website and social media channels after April 12.

“We encourage anyone passionate about this event to reach out and learn more about what it takes to bring Float Your Fanny to life,” Price said.

“We're excited to see where new leadership takes it, and we can't wait to experience the event form the water, as participants, once again.

“We also want to encourage everyone to start designing their crazy crafts for the spring – it's time to prepare.”