Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta takes place at noon on Sunday, July 4th, on the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg at Christ in the Smokies. This unmanned river raft race is open to anything floatable except balls and plastic eggs. In the past, families have entered boats made out of matchsticks, floating rocks, as well as little rubber ducks.  Registration takes place between 10 a.m. and noon, with the race beginning promptly at noon. Support for the River Raft Regatta is provided by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department.