Three Rivers Kiwanis Sebec River Canoe & Kayak Race set for June 15

    MILO — The annual Three Rivers Kiwanis Sebec River Canoe & Kayak Race annually draws racers from across the state and their custom boats.

    Paddlers compete in nine racing and recreational classes for canoes and kayaks under the rules of MACKRO (Maine Canoe & Kayak Racing Organization – www.mackro.org).
    The race has become the spring fundraiser for the Three Rivers Kiwanis Club of Milo-Brownville, the club solicits corporate sponsors, listing ads for the race T-shirts and taking in boat registration fees for the race. Last year race proceeds helped Kiwanis continue their many community projects such as Hooked on Fishing, community youth programs and more.
    Kiwanis Race Chairman Bobby Ellison is optimistic that water levels will be good for the June 15 race.
Popular racing and recreational c    lasses 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.
    All paddlers must have personal flotation devices and all kayakers must wear a helmet. Some experience with your boat in rapids is advised, since there are areas of whitewater Class II and as well as flat water stretches.
    Registration for the Sebec River Race is from 8-9:30 a.m. near the start at the Sebec Reading Room in Sebec Village. The Sebec Reading Room will be open at 8 am for registration, food and drinks as well as a public bathroom.
    A race T-shirt and canoe decal comes with the per person registration fee and a per youth registration for those under 18 (must be register by an adult). All kayak must wear an approved helmet.
    A shuttle service will be available to transport racers back to their cars after the race is over upon request at registration. A free lunch will be provided to all paddlers and their families at the end of the race.
    The race has a shotgun start(s) beginning at 10 a.m. Awards for first-, second- and third-place finishes in each class are given out at the race finish line at the Sebec River Public Landing in Milo.
    Safety is stressed during the race. The Milo Fire Department River Rescue team will be on the course during the race.
    The Three Rivers Kiwanis encourages the public to come out and support the racers.
    For race details and pre-registration, contact Ellison at 943-2317 or http://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversKiwanis. The race is an American Canoe Association and Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization event.
    The Three Rivers Kiwanis meets every Wednesday morning at 6:30 at the Milo Town Hall on Pleasant Street.
    For more information, go to http://www.facebook.com/ThreeRiversKiwanis.