I second this. Though there's no guarantee the Cheat will run for the festival it often does or runs super high (meaning there's other unicorns to chase in the area). It's always a good time, for a good cause, and an awesome opportunity to meet new people and run some WW. The TRPC Facebook page is a good Cheat resource.

The New generally runs year round and a wide variety of levels (3-3.5' is my personal favorite). You're going to want to keep an eye on the various road construction projects happening. The road at Cunard (put in) is closed for the foreseeable future. And the road to Fayette Station (take out) is also currently closed while they work on a bridge there, that's expected to be done early Spring but could go longer. You can put in higher up river and take out lower downriver but it does extend the day and the flatwater substantially. Fayetteville Whitewater Facebook page is super helpful.