Canoe Classic draws closer

Plans are in place for the 33rd annual Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic, with early indications that Mother Nature might cooperate and bring optimum cruising conditions.

The 11-mile race takes place Saturday, April 7, on the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek starting at noon. Committee members Randy Bailey, Lisa Bainey, Chris Luckenbill, Ken Gerg, Randy Flament, and Cliff Clark are working hard to ensure a large turnout and a quality experience for participants and spectators.

With the goal this year of putting 100 boats on the water, the committee is advertising widely, using area media, tourist and canoeists' publications.

Woodland Elementary School of Emporium will hold a canoe race-themed poster contest. Entries will be on display for voting at the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library.

Although signs are promising for suitable water conditions, the committee has arranged for racing on the George B. Stevenson Dam if the water is too low.

Registration will be held at the Emporium Country Club from 8:00 to 11:30. The registration fee is $15 for adults and $10 for those 18 years old or younger. All entries receive a commemorative T-shirt and a gift bag from Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, filled with items from local merchants and a race water bottle.

All are welcome at a pre-race breakfast buffet for $6.50.

Parking is limited at the start area, so Krise Bus Lines will provide a free shuttle service. Participants can park their vehicles at the finish line in Driftwood and receive a ride back to the start.

Starting line is directly across from the Emporium Country Club, with each class launched at five-minute intervals. There are 18 canoe and kayak classes, varying by boat length, type, and construction, as well as different age categories.

Competitors paddling aluminum canoes will be placed in the Bob Umbenhauer Memorial class and compete for the coveted traveling trophy.

An awards ceremony will be held at the Emporium Firehall, accompanied by a pasta dinner buffet prepared by the Fire Department Auxiliary for a $6.00 donation. Custom-made cherry wood paddle plaques will be given to the top three finishers in each class. Material was donated by Emporium Hardwoods and cut by Ron Luckenbill of Recreating History. The paddle design was developed by Art and Ink and laser etched by Elkwood Arts of Ridgway.

Some $1,000 in door prizes will also be awarded, including a fiberglass recreational canoe and a one-person kayak.

Bob Horning and Mike Pugh will manage the race timing and results. Emporium Foundation is providing race number bibs. Emporium Fire Police will provide traffic control, while Sinnemahoning Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service will be on emergency standby.

Also assisting are Mountaineer Search and Rescue, Cameron County Industrial Development Authority and the manufacturers and merchants of Cameron County, which have donated money and merchandise. Dedication of the race committee and strong community participation have made the Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic one of the premier outdoor events in Pennsylvania.

To register, or for race information, call Randy Bailey at (814) 546-2011.