Bears on the River 2024

BOTR 2024

July 25th-28th

Join us for our 26th annual tubing trip down the Ichetucknee River! For up to the minute updates, add yourself to our Facebook page!

Host Hotel  

Hotel SOLD OUT

Call Rebecca to add your name to the wait list 

Best Western Gateway Grand Resort

4200 NW 97th Blvd

Gainesville FL 32606

352-331-3336

King $129.00 per night plus tax*

Double $129.00 per night plus tax*

RESERVE YOUR ROOM HERE 

A one night non-refundable deposit will be charged 15 days prior to event start (July 10).

 Hotel booking includes 2 BOTR Armbands.  Additional armbands may be purchased during check-in or from any of our team for $30


 

Schedule of Events

Thursday July 25th

Hotel Check In  3PM

Early Arrival Meet and Greet 6PM-8PM Lobby/Pool

Country Dance Night with Derek & Demery 8PM-Midnight Hotel Ballroom West

Instructions 8PM-9PM Dance until Midnight

Music by DJ Matty G

BOTR Armband required for the pool

Friday July 26th

Hotel Check In 3PM 

Group Information Table 1PM - 9PM Hotel Lobby

Meet & Greet  6PM-9PM       Hotel Lobby/Pool Deck

Music by DJ Matty G

BOTR Armband required for the pool

Saturday July 27th

Bear Breakfast  7AM-10AM     Hotel Lobby         (For those staying at the hotel)

Tubing Down the Ichetucknee River  9AM

Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:45AM and buddy up to carpool to the Park (no Bus to the river this year) OR meet at the Park SOUTH entrance tram area at 8:45AM.  We will take the tram or walk to the MID-Point Dock at 9AM . The actual time on the water will be around one and a half - two hours. Once we are through floating we will head back to the hotel for an afternoon of fun.   

Reminders - 

Get there early, when the park is full you will not be able to get in.

No alcohol allowed in the park.

You can pickup your tube from a vendor along the way OR the vendor in the park at the General Store.

The General Store also offers a variety of hot and cold foods for lunch- Hamburgers, Fries, Sandwiches, Salads, Wraps and Ice Cream and they will hold your keys for a small fee.

For more information about the park please visit; https://ichetuckneesprings.com/ to pre pay for entrance and to book your tubes (This link is not affiliated with GatorBears or Bears on the River. We assume no responsibility for any transactions, cancelations or park closures) 

Afternoon Splash 4PM- 11 PM Hotel Pool Deck      

Music by DJ Matty G

BOTR Armband required for the pool

Drag Queen BINGO 2PM-4PM Hotel Ballroom West  

 Hosted By Darcel Stevens

Music by DJ Brianna Lee

80s Bear Dance Party 8PM-11PM Hotel Ballroom West

Music by DJ Brianna Lee

Moonlight Swim  11PM - 1AM    Hotel Pool    

Wind down the long day of fun with a relaxing swim and a few drinks before turning in for the night. BOTR Armband required for the pool


Sunday July 28th

Farewell Breakfast 7:30-10:30AM         Hotel Lobby    (For those staying at the hotel)



Ichetucknee Park Fees 

Ichetucknee Park Entrance - $6 per car (2-8 people) Pay at the park entrance.

Tube Rental - Available from vendors on the way to the park and in the park  $7-$30.   If renting in the park you will pay at the General Store located in the park.

Ichetucknee Park Tram - $5.50 + tax per person.   Pay at the General Store in the Park.

(you may walk to the mid point and back to the parking area for free)

If you need more information please email us direct at gatorbears@gmail.com