Kiwanis Prepares for 49th Annual Amateur Canoe Race

Excitement abounds as canoers and kayakers prepare to launch for the annual canoe race.

In 1967, as the village prepared to celebrate its centennial year, one of the events that was planned was a boat race down the River Raisin, from Fellows Bridge on Sharon Hollow Road to Main Street in downtown Manchester.

Over the years, changes have happened. Today, the boats are primarily canoes and kayaks; new categories of competition have evolved; and a variety of organizations have taken on sponsorship of the event. But one thing remains the same: on the third Sunday of May, the tiny landing in Sharon township and the streets of Manchester will be crowded with eager boaters ready to show their prowess of skill and speed and compete for bragging rights in the year to come.

This year’s event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Manchester, and the date is May 17, with check-in beginning at 10 a.m. and launch starting at high noon. Competitors will be in five different classes–Teen (13-18), Women, Men, Single Man, and Man/Woman.

Registration can be completed in advance or on the day of the event, also beginning at 10 a.m. Early entry fee is $13 per person prior to Thursday, May 14. Children ages 5-12 are free; children under 5 are not allowed. All entries received after May 14 will be $15 per person.

A Corporate Challenge Division is also a good-natured way to provide fun and competition among local businesses and entrepreneurs. The Corporate Challenge entry is $50 and includes registration for two people.

Don’t have a canoe or a kayak? They will be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Rentals include paddles and flotation devices and the fee is $35, which includes delivery to the start line and pick up at the finish line.

A Sprint race will be held at the Mill Pond after the completion of all other classes. Sprint race fee is $5 per person, with canoe and paddles furnished for Sprint race!

A kayak raffle is another exciting part of the canoe race. Tickets are available from any Kiwanis member or at the Coffee Mill Cafe.

Come and join the fun, whether as a participant or a spectator. This event is always one of the great kick-offs to an activity-filled summer in Manchester.

Registration forms are also available at the Coffee Mill and from Kiwanis members, and can be obtained by email by contacting Kiwanis secretary Lucinda Kenney at luckylu54@gmail.com. Make checks payable to and mail to: Kiwanis of Manchester PO Box 833 Manchester, MI.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.