Dan Frey (left) and Eric Reed were among the local paddlers who placed in lastyear’s event.
It’s just about that time of year when thoughts turn to spring and and the return of many of the outdoor activities for which the area is known.
Paddlers who struggle to get on the water during Pennsylvania’s normally-rugged winters, can now mark the calendar for what has become a premiere paddling event— the Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic.
The 38th annual event is still almost two months away, but registrations for the April 7 race are now being accepted by race organizer Randy Bailey.
Early registrants can save on entry fees. Cost for early registration is $15 for adults and $10 for youths (17 and under). Early registration ends on March 31. Details on how to register appear below.
Registrations will also be accepted the day of the event from 8 am to 11:30 am at the Emporium Country Club. Cost is $20.
Last years “Bucktail Edition,” marking the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War Brigade’s march to war, had a record 230 vessels take part in various canoe and kayak classes.
This year’s race deemed the “Lumber Heritage Edition” has expanded to 14 classes in the canoe category and 12 in the kayak category. The hope is that this year’s event will have even more participants and continue to build on previous year’s successes, Bailey said.
One key reason for those past successes has been the work of the many volunteers who help with the pre-race preparations, event day staffing and post race clean up.
Course runs 12 miles along the Driftwood branch of Sinnemahoning Creek from a section of stream along Route 120 across from the Emporium Country Club to the bridge on Route 555 in Driftwood. There is also a two-mile youth competition from Huntley to Driftwood.
Shuttle service will again be available from the finish line back to the start area before the race. This allows participants to park at the finish line.
New to the event this year is an on site supply tent to meet all of a paddler’s needs, run by ARCP of Irvine. There is also a new formal river access at the start area and an excavated and leveled boat staging area.
A dinner and awards ceremony for all the participants and volunteers will again be held at the Emporium Fire Hall following the race.
Interested canoeists, kayakers and volunteers can get more information or register by contacting Randy Bailey by phone at (814) 546-2011, by email at beetlecamp@yahoo.com or by accessing the event website at eteamz.com/canoeclassic.
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