Canoe Race details

The annual River Raisin canoe and kayak race will not be held on the third Sunday in May, but coordinators are working to find a later date to keep this Manchester tradition alive.

More details will be forthcoming as the committee continues to meet, but here are the basics:

• The date is Sunday, July 19, 2020, starting at Noon
• The Manchester Music Boosters will be the beneficiary of proceeds this year
• Starts at Fellows Bridge at Sharon Valley Road, one mile east of Sharon Hollow Road
• Ends at the Manchester Mill Pond at River Raisin Park, about 3.5 miles; we plan to move the
  finish line somewhat upstream of the usual location
• Participation will be limited to the first 70 applicants (canoes & kayaks)
• You must register in advance, by July 6. Late applications will be considered until July 13
• There will be no canoe or kayak rentals
• Launch times will be extended and assigned before race day, between noon and 2:00 PM
• Spectators are asked not to go to the start line except to drop off participants
• Spectators are asked to minimize their time at the finish line so everyone has a chance to see
  their favorite paddler come in
• The river may be low and there may be more obstacles than usual
• The results of the race will be posted online in real time (there will be no “stat” board)
• Medals (not trophies) will be awarded to 1st , 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each class
• There will be live streaming on Facebook at the starting line, culverts, and at the finish line, as
  usual
• There will be no award ceremony
• There will be no single canoe class this year.
• There will be no sprint races
• There will be no raffle
• Volunteers are needed on race day! Contact Sybil Kolon sybil.kolon@gmail.com, 734-646-4673; or Dave Bartley, dbartley1@gmail.com, 734-478-4812, to offer your assistance.
• Financial sponsorships can help offset expenses, so the Manchester Music Boosters can realize a significant contribution to help fund their trip to Europe next year. We will be reaching out soon.

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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.