HOULTON, Maine — Since its inception during the Ricker College days, the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race has been a rite of passage into spring.
Over the years the race was held at the end of April where the weather and water were unpredictable from nearly a dry riverbed where bottoms of the canoes scraped the rocks to high, wild waters that gave racers all they could handle. The weather has ranged from snow flurries and frigid temperatures to seasonal warmth where racers were practically sun bathing as they floated down the river. There has even been flooding so that racers had to portage part of the race. Whatever the weather, whatever the water conditions, racers have braved the elements.
Even though the race date was moved to the first Saturday in May, the river never gives up its secrets. “We never know what the river conditions will be,” said Jane Torres, director of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “This year has brought us high water and the promise of a fast race.”
Race master Peter Blood reported on Monday that the ice was out on Green Pond and organizers could finalize plans for the annual start at Linwood Wellington’s yard on Station Road in New Limerick.
The annual canoe race will begin Saturday morning at the Wellington residence with registration starting at 8 a.m., with a race briefing on conditions and difficult spots on the river to be held at 9:30 a.m. for all paddlers.
“We really strongly recommend that participants be present for the briefing,” Torres added.
The eight-mile race will start promptly at 10 a.m.
As paddlers leave they will travel through calm waters to Green Pond where a crew manned by the Hodgdon Volunteer Fire Department will be positioned. As paddlers move on, they reach the tricky maneuvering of Devil’s Elbow — plenty of rocky areas and fast-moving waters that potentially cause upsets — behind A.E. Staley Company. At this point, members of the Hodgdon Volunteer Fire Department will be monitoring the river, as well.
Racers will paddle through more flat to rapid waters to the finish line at the boat landing adjacent to the Highland Avenue Bridge.
“You do not have to be in the race to enjoy the race,” Torres said. “There are many points along the river that offer prime viewing. Bring a chair and enjoy the day.”
Cost of entering the race is $15, but the experience of a Houlton spring tradition priceless. Each participant will also receive a T-shirt with the event logo and after the race, they are treated to hot dogs, chips, cookies, hot coffee, water or soda. Guests of the racers may purchase a lunch at a nominal fee.
The last two years, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce with technical support from Peter and Carol Blood, have been organizing the race, which at one time benefited the Dollars for Scholars program. However, interest waned with that organization and the chamber picked up the race to keep a longtime ritual going.
Proceeds of the race will help in support of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce activities.
“Peter and Carol have the knowledge to separate canoe and kayak classes into the proper categories making this a Maine Downriver Championship Series Point Race, as well,” explained Torres. “The MACRO circuit will attract many top-notch racers to our river making for a very competitive paddle.”
When the last paddler is ashore and has been fed, the group will move to the Gentle Memorial building on Main Street for an awards ceremony and raffle drawing. As an added bonus, the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race is the only race in Maine to offer organic, County-grown potatoes from Natures Circle Farm to all the participants.
Last year’s race drew 85 paddlers and the water was at an historic low point.
“This year’s race should be bigger and better and be very exciting to watch,” Torres said.
