Shasta County residents gathered this weekend at Bigfoot Rafting for the annual Big Flat Jamboree, a river‑front festival founded by Sara Hoxie to honor her son, William (Will) Hoxie, who tragically died in a kayaking accident in 2023.
From personal loss to community celebration
Hoxie, a retired teacher and lifelong river enthusiast, explains that the jamboree began as Will’s senior project at Feather River College. He envisioned a river festival that would put Big Flat on the map. After his untimely death, his friends and family decided to bring his vision to life in his name.
“We wanted to celebrate his love for the river and give back to the community he cared about,” Hoxie says. The event is held on the Trinity River’s Pigeon Point Run, featuring kayak and rafting races, live music, a dance party and an extensive raffle.
Fundraising for local nonprofits
Proceeds from the jamboree are split between covering the festival’s operating costs and donating to a range of local charities. Recipients this year include the Feather River College Foundation, WES Camp, Dream Quest in Willow Creek, the North Fork Grange in Junction City, Trinity County animal rescue and search‑and‑rescue teams, and NorCal Clean and Sober Whitewater.
“We aim to keep enough money to run the jamboree again next year while supporting organizations that were important to Will,” Hoxie explains. The raffle, stocked with donated gear, paddles, personal flotation devices, sunscreen, chocolate baskets and even a tattoo voucher, generates a significant portion of the fundraising.
Community involvement and stewardship
The jamboree draws participants of all ages, from seasoned whitewater kayakers to families looking for a day by the water. Volunteers, many of whom are young river enthusiasts, help with race logistics, safety, and post‑event river clean‑up.
During the 2024 inaugural event, a semi‑truck accident spilled garbage into the river. Kids and volunteers quickly organized a clean‑up, demonstrating the community’s commitment to stewardship.
Growth and future plans
Since its first edition in 2024, the jamboree has grown steadily, doubling in size each year. This year, 132 paddlers took to the water, and organizers anticipate even larger participation next year. Additional fundraisers are planned in nearby Chico to broaden outreach to Feather River youth.
Beyond the jamboree, Hoxie remains active in local service, hosting events for Pilgrim Congregational Church, a historic Frank Lloyd Wright‑designed building that serves as a hub for social‑justice initiatives.
Honoring heritage
The 2026 festival featured a Wintu elder offering a blessing in the native language and a land acknowledgement, underscoring the event’s respect for the region’s cultural heritage.
For Shasta County families seeking a wholesome, faith‑affirming way to enjoy the outdoors, the Big Flat Jamboree offers music, fellowship, and a chance to support vital local charities—all while keeping the memory of a beloved son alive.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
