Three Rivers Kiwanis Sebec River Canoe and Kayak Race set for May 20
The 11th annual Three Rivers Kiwanis Sebec River Canoe and Kayak Race is being held on Saturday, May 20. Paddlers compete in nine racing and recreational classes for canoes and kayaks.
Racing and recreational classes include single kayaks and single canoes for men or women, two-man and two-woman canoes, mixed doubles (man and woman) canoes and the Junior/Senior Challenge. Other MACKRO classes include Class I Racing Kayak, Class II Recreational Kayak, Class III Racing Canoe and Class IV Recreational Canoe plus a special Kiwanis/Key Club Class.
A race T-shirt and canoe decal comes with the per person adult registration fee and the youth registration fee. Race participants under 18 must be registered by an adult. Safety is stressed during the race. All paddlers must have personal flotation devices. All kayakers must wear an approved helmet. Some experience with the boat in rapids is advised, since there are areas of whitewater Class II and as well as flat water stretches. The Milo Fire Department River Rescue team will be on the river during the race.
The Reading Room in Sebec Village will be open at 8:30 a.m. for registration, food and drinks as well as a public bathroom. Registration for the race is from 8:30-9:45 am. Race orientation begins once registrations are closed, shortly after 10 a.m.
Shot gun start(s) begin in Sebec after the race orientation. First place, second place and third place in each class receive their awards at the finish line which is the Sebec River public boat landing in Milo. A shuttle service will be available to transport racers back to their cars after the race is over when requested at registration. A free lunch will be provided to all paddlers and their families in the gazebo at the end of the race. For more race details or to become a sponsor contact Race Chairman Bobby Ellison at 943-2317.
This spring fundraiser for the Three Rivers Kiwanis Club of Milo/Brownville generates club income through solicitations of corporate sponsors, advertising listings on race T-shirts, and participants’ registration fees. Race proceeds help the Kiwanis continue many community projects including Hooked on Fishing, Terrific Kids, Secret Santa and more for community youth.
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
THREE RIVERS KIWANIS SEBEC RIVER RACE — Nine craft were paddled by canoeists and kayakers from below the dam in Sebec Village down the Sebec River to near the boat landing in Milo during last year’s Three Rivers Kiwanis’ Sebec River Canoe and Kayak Race. The 2017 race starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, with proceeds benefitting Three Rivers Kiwanis community projects in the organization’s home in the Milo/Brownville-area.