Raccoon River Palooza
June 7, 2025
Presented By
Highlights for 2025
Brian Congdon will be featured at this year’s event!
Brian Congdon is a singer/guitar player Des Moines, and has been playing professionally since 1999. He has performed regularly at pubs, breweries, weddings, farmers markets, Adventureland Amusement Park and many more in the Des Moines metro and outer communities. Visit https://briancongdon.com/ to learn more.
Additional Main Stage Schedule of Events Coming Soon
A full selection of alcoholic beverages will be available on hand for purchase for those 21 and older. Please bring a valid form of ID. Do not drink and drive. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.Â
All patrons, volunteers, and employees are expected to comply fully with all laws (including laws prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol), and to take safety precautions including arranging for a designated, sober driver. By attending Racoon River Palooza, I agree that any alcoholic beverages I consume are my own choice and responsibility. I agree to drink responsibility. I acknowledge that I alone am responsible for all of my actions resulting from consuming alcohol and the West Des Moines Chamber and City of West Des Moines is in no way responsible.
Get ready to set sail into summer fun with our cardboard boat races on June 8! It’s more than just a race; it’s a creative carnival on water! Gather your friends, family, or team and channel your inner shipwright—crafting boats from everyday cardboard found at your local grocery, appliance, furniture, hardware, or big ‘box’ stores. Embrace the whimsy with wild themes and zany costumes. Let’s see who can dazzle us with their daring designs. Come on, West Des Moines, let’s make a splash and craft some memories!
Awards include:
FASTEST BOAT: First boat to cross the finish line – if we have several entries, we will have several races (heats).
MOST CREATIVE: Awarded by judges based on creativity, showmanship, and team spirit – costumes & props are encouraged!
BEST CORPORATE BOAT: Show your company spirit and let’s see who shines the best!
WEST DES MOINES SPIRIT AWARD: What is the best way to show off how much you love WDM?
TEAM SPIRIT AWARD: What is the team you like best? Maybe it’s the Cubs, Valley Tigers, or your alma matter?
THE TITANIC AWARD: Who’s boat is the most spectacular at sinking!
2025 Boat Race Judges Coming Soon
Cardboard Boat Races Schedule Coming Soon
Photo from the 2021 Raccoon River Rally where the judges enjoyed a photo opportunity and presented a $4,200 check that helps to support the Athene Pedestrian Bridge at Raccoon River Park
Stilwell Junior High students built and raced in the 2021 Raccoon River Rally cardboard boat race. Check out the creativity and fun students and staff experienced by participating in this community event by viewing the video below.
We’re excited to feature several local Food Trucks at this year’s Raccoon River Palooza:
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Join the fun with this year’s Family Fun Zone presented by Prevent Child Abuse Iowa.
This year’s activities include:
- Inflatables
- Face Painting
- A Baloon Artist
- Mascots (Schools TBD)
We are excited to showcase some of the coolest companies and organizations at the Raccoon River Palooza. Business Expo Participants:
- Mad City Windows & Bath
- Renewal by Andersen
- Raccoon River Kennels
- Superstorm Roofing & Siding
- Microsoft
- Dupaco Community Credit Union
- Prevent Child Abuse Iowa
- Des Moines Buccaneers
More information coming soon
2025 Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Mainstage Sponsor
Champion Sponsor
Family Fun Zone Sponsor
Event Organizers
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to use any photograph or video taken at any event hosted by the WDM Chamber without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph or video. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce may use the photograph or video in publications or other media material produced, used, or contracted by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, including but not limited to websites, social media, e-communications, brochures, invitations, posters, flyers, books, newspapers, magazines, television, etc.
