There’s going to be a canoe race this year!

This year offers a "close finish" for the 54th annual Manchester River Raisin Canoe & Kayak Race, happening on July 19.

Submitted by Sybil Kolon

We have an approved date!

On, July 19, two months late, will be the 54th Annual Manchester River Raisin Canoe/Kayak Race.

The river was at record high levels in mid-May, when the race should have been held. Chances are it will be much lower come July. But it will be a race, even if paddlers have to get out and pull their canoe in a few places, as they did in 1988.

The first race was held in April 1967, as part of the centennial celebration of the founding of the Village. It turned out to be a cold day. The race also included row boats until 1987. After the first year, it was usually held on the third Sunday in May until 1988, when the local Optimist Club unexpectedly did not sponsor the race. The race that year was on June 12. That happened to be during a drought, and the fastest time in 1988 was 47 minutes. Other than that, the best time, in all categories, ranges from 30 to 37 minutes (a few years of data are missing).

This year's race should be a challenging one.

Sponsorship of the canoe race has changed over the years, but we all know the race must go on. The Manchester Kiwanis club had sponsored the race since 2003, but disbanded last year. As we transition to a new sponsor, the River Raisin Watershed Council (RRWC) has stepped up to be the sponsor this year. Village Council approved the plans for holding the canoe race at their June 15 meeting, including closing off Main Street at the bridge and use of the River Raisin Park, which had not officially opened at race time last year.

There are still very real concerns about avoiding unnecessary contacts among large groups of people. We have made many changes in the traditional way the race has been run, and the committee asks that participants and spectators respect the rules we are asking everyone to follow. We believe these rules are reasonable, easy to follow, and will allow everyone to participate and to have fun, as we always do.

We will have a unique t-shirt available for order soon, designed by last year’s artist, Joy Matthews. T-shirts can be ordered (by July 6) when you register, or by email. We do not expect to have many shirts to sell on race day, but will take orders and can order more if there is enough interest.

All proceeds this year will be donated to the Manchester Music Boosters, who are planning a trip to Europe next year. In addition to support from the RRWC, the Manchester Men’s Club has generously donated $250 to help cover the insurance needed. Insurance was previously provided by Kiwanis International at no expense to the canoe race.

The Men’s Club has a crew, headed up by Jim Mann, who clears some of the deadfalls in the river. The Chelsea Amateur Radio Club will relay times from the starting line to the finish line. The Manchester Boy Scouts help with canoes. Chris Moyle of Ollie’s and Over the Edge is again allowing the use of their parking lot. The Saline Pharmacy is donating hand sanitizer for the start and finish lines.

This truly is a community event worth celebrating--this year more than ever. We should also celebrate our River Raisin, a resource we often take for granted. Thanks to the river, Manchester can have a canoe race every year!

Additional details will be sent to recent participants and posted on our Facebook page, Manchester River Raisin Canoe/Kayak Race. Or contact Sybil Kolon: sybil.kolon@gmail.com, 734-646-4673; or Dave Bartley, dbartley1@gmail.com, 734-478-4812.

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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.