The Firecracker Race will again be held on the Mississippi River on Saturday August 8, 2026. Just as last year, paddlers will race on a 15 mile downriver course from Grafton access to the Alton riverfront (see map below). The race will end at the Alton marina. After the race come to the Audubon Center at Riverlands directly across the river for food and drinks. There we will have the award ceremony and raffle starting no later than 3:00. Also an after race dinner is included for all racers. Pre-registration for dinner is required 2 weeks prior from the race and is part of race registration. For those that cannot stay for dinner, we are offering a performance race T-shirt. Others can order food and drinks directly from our vendor on site, Dam-It Joes. An optional $5 shuttle is also available for racers.