FIRST Robotics Team making plans for Canoe Race

The Canoe Race is coming quickly! Get involved by creating your entry for the 2023 t-shirt contest!

by Marsha Chartrand

Members of the FIRST Robotics Team attended the Village Council meeting last Monday night to obtain permission to hold Manchester’s 57th annual River Raisin Canoe Race on May 21, 2023.

This will be the first official year of sponsorship for the Robotics team with the Canoe Race and the team members were eager to get started and learn more about how to make their plan a reality.

Issues such as sheriff and fire support, making sure Main Street is blocked to through traffic from M-52 to Adrian Street, reserving both River Raisin and Chi-Bro Parks, and placing a portable dock were among the items discussed with the Council. Other topics also were brought up, including the use of trash receptacles, the inclusion of possible vendors at the event, and contacting the local Ham Radio group that keeps everyone in communication on the day of the race.

Insurance coverage for the event will be provided through the school district, since the Robotics Team is a school-sanctioned organization.

Late last week the exciting news of this year’s t-shirt contest was announced. There is a short deadline for contest entries to be submitted of April 16. Prizes will include the winner’s choice of four Canoe Race t-shirts or a $50 gift certificate to Over the Edge Sports Bar.

Submit your single-color design to Sharon Valley Bike Shoppe (108 E. Main) or via email to firstrtm@gmail.com by April 16, 2023. Make sure your design reflects the uniqueness and originality of the Manchester community and the River Raisin! The committee looks forward to reviewing many designs this year.

And don’t forget to sign up to canoe or kayak the river on May 21 … registration forms and details are expected to be posted soon on the group’s Facebook Page.

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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.