For 2025, the River Runners Hall of Fame selection committee has chosen individuals known for their work as educators, writers, and historians. This year’s honorees are Loie and Buzz Belknap, guidebook creators and Sportyak pioneers; Gary Nichols, Utah’s “King of Kayaking” and dedicated outdoor educator; and Brad Dimock, historian, storyteller, boat builder, and long-standing “recidivist” river guide. The committee has also chosen to induct Bessie and Glen Hyde, a long-overdue recognition of their historic 1928 attempt to navigate the Grand Canyon in a wooden sweep scow.

Each of these individuals has, in some way, made river running more accessible.  They’ve written the guidebooks and the history books, and they’ve physically brought people into the river community through college courses or by putting them at the oars of their very own Sportyak. Even the Hydes, despite their tragic end, showed that you didn’t have to be a scientist or a surveyor to run the Colorado River.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday Service Project at Swasey’s Beach (8:00 am)
(Please select this activity as an “add-on” to your weekend pass ticket when purchasing if you wish to participate. Space is limited to 30 participants). 

Yak Attack Float Parade from the Museum Put-In to Green River State Park (11:00 am) (On your own)
- Bring your kayak, doryak, or sportyak and join the fun! Please note this is an independent, non-sponsored float on your own. 

Lunch at Green River State Park (12:00 pm)
(Please select this activity as an “add-on” to your weekend pass ticket when purchasing if you wish to participate. Space is limited). 
- Enjoy sandwiches, drinks, and comradery! 

The Loie Belknap Evans Opening Reception & Riverside Dinner on the Museum Patio (5:00 pm)
(Included in weekend pass ticket price)
- Catered by Culinary Concepts Southwest

Induction Ceremony in the Museum Theater (6:30 pm)
(Included in weekend pass ticket price)
- Presentations for Loie and Buzz Belknap, Gary Nichols, and Brad Dimock