Whiskey, David Bowie, kayaking – these are a few of our favorite things, and they’re coming together in an unexpected way later this month. On Sunday, July 30th, the Mon River Town Program will host the 2017 Rebel Rebel Float Trip with Venture Outdoors and with support by National Road Heritage Corridor, Wigle Whiskey, and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers.

The full name of this event? “Rebel Rebel Float Trip: the Whiskey Rebellion with a Bowie Twist.” During this guided float trip, storytellers will lead the way for a 4.5 mile guided kayaking trip on Monongahela River, sharing the story of the Whiskey Rebellion.

The Whiskey Rebellion…

In 1791 protests broke out against the young United States government’s first new tax of a domestic product. Though the tax applied to all distilled spirits, whiskey was the most popular beverage of choice – especially in western Pennsylvania, where whiskey distilleries were thriving. Protests against the new tax were often violent, eventually forcing president George Washington to respond to the crisis.

…with a Bowie Twist.

The Mon River Town Program is especially excited that this harrowing tale from western Pennsylvania’s past will be shared during our float trip in an entirely new way. As we travel along  one of the most beautiful places to kayak in the area, we’ll be calling on the voice and music of David Bowie to help us dive into this piece of Pennsylvania history. Why Bowie? Because we believe that a spirit of rebellion – revolution even – threaded the experiences of the rebels and David Bowie (albeit nearly 200 years removed). We’ll use music and interpreters in such a way that you won’t possibly forget what the Whiskey Rebellion meant to both the region and a young nation.

Sign up and join us for this unforgettable event!

You won’t want to miss out on this wonderful paddle. This most rebellious experience will be held on the Mon River between Webster and Monongahela, about 50 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. The experience will be limited to 25 guests with ticket prices beginning at $75. A $75 ticket to the event includes:

• A guided paddle and tour on the Mon River, a beautiful place to kayak
• An exclusive, rustic riverfront period supper at the Monongahela Aquatorium
• 2 cocktail samples courtesy of Wigle Whiskey
• David Bowie tunes and covers, also at the Monongahela Aquatorium

And for $10 more you can rent a kayak through the Mon River Town Program and Venture Outdoors.

Attendees will receive more information about meeting at the local kayak boat launch for this event. This is a 21 and over event with a rain date scheduled for August 6.

Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to purchase yours before they’re all gone! And if you’re unable to make it to this particular event, we invite you to visit our website calendar anytime to explore other local events, and to save the date for your next adventure!

With A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors and Partners: