A dozen boats raced down the Ocmulgee River for the Friends of the Trail Go Green Regatta Boat Race Saturday afternoon.

They launched from Amerson Water Works Park and headed down to Spring Street.

Competitors picked up trash as they glided down the river, and the boater who picked up the most won.

The race also gave out prizes for the most decorated boat, the fastest craft, and oldest and youngest competitors.

Meanwhile, folks on shore got to enjoy a little music and relaxation while they watched the race.

Julie Wilkerson with Friends of the Trail says the regatta race honors the river.  "The trail is a great place that you can enjoy with your family," she says.  "If you're a jogger or walk, it's a beautiful place to bring your animals and your pets and just enjoy a beautiful day."

All was calm late Saturday morning at the Adams home on Wesleyan Woods Drive, but just hours earlier, strong winds knocked large pine trees onto the house.

"You can see the insulation here that's coming down from the ceiling," said Ross Adams, as he pointed out a tree limb poking through the ceiling in the laundry room.

Ross Adams says he was out of town when tornado sirens went off, but his wife and two children weathered the storm in their basement.

"My oldest who's 20 is a special needs child so he was out of his routine," said Dana Adams.  "He did not want to be down there... and to get my 3-year-old to stay and be calm... it was interesting."

Dana Adams said she heard a noise, but didn't know what it was, until she ventured back upstairs to her bedroom.

"I just happened to look out my window and I saw a tree branch," she said.

Friends of the Trail is accepting sign up forms right now down by the river.

Launch is from 1-3 p.m.

You can cheer on the captains and their homemade boats down the river! 

"The riverwalk takes on a fair-like atmosphere for the Go Green! Regatta and Riverwalk Festival. From 1 to 7 p.m. you can cheer on your favorite regatta rafts as they come in. Food and craft vendors will be on-site and live music cranks up at 3 p.m., continuing throughout the afternoon with a finale performance by Gringo Grande from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free all day long." --Macon Arts previous article about this event