Canoe & Kayak Classic next week

Race volunteer Glen Fiebig directs traffic at the starting line in last year's Cameron County Canoe & Kayak Classic. Racers enter the water about eight miles southeast of Emporium, across from the Emporium Country Club.

Upwards of 100 competitors are expected for the Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic. The 11-mile race takes place Saturday, April 7, on the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek, starting at noon.

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

Woodland Elementary School of Emporium is holding a canoe race-themed poster contest. Entries will be on display for voting at the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library.To register, or for race information, call Randy Bailey at (814) 546-2011.