Small group hits chilly waters

The third annual Merrill Millstream Park canoe race was held on May 10, with the day beginning with registration, followed by Ken Bustard, race coordinator, giving a safety briefing and Peter Blood gave an overview of the course, based on his canoeing the river the day before.
There were a total of 15 racers this year, many of them first-time participants. Two first timers, but very experienced racers Jake Feener and Lisa Bates, took first place with a time of 1:19:11 in the two-person canoe mixed category.  They were closely followed by Brian and Courtney McDonald (1:33:56). Right on their heels were Alden Bustard and his partner Christina Thibodeau (1:54:02).
The one-person kayak division had four contenders, along with a single one-person canoe. Blood out raced all the kayaks with his canoe (1:27:07). He was not too far ahead of second-place winner Matt Furrow (1:33:42), followed by third place Trey Antone (1:52:51)
The third category was the two-person male canoe. Jeff Boutilier and Nate Hardy easily took first place for the second consecutive year (1:30:14) followed by new participants David Walker and his son Josiah (1:45:06).
This was the first year dividing racers into two categories — professional or weekend warriors.  The only racers in the professional category were Blood of Houlton, Bates of Patten and her partner Feener of Lincolnville.
Trophies for fastest overall time in the weekend warrior category went to Furrow in the kayak class (1:33:42) and to Boutlier and Hardy in the canoe class (1:30:14).
While trophies were not handed out to the fastest overall in the professional category, due to the historically low number of participants in this category, it should be noted that the fastest overall time for the day was Bates and Feener’s  impressive  time of 1:19:11.
Overall, the race was a great success, with better conditions than last year’s. There was plenty of water, and even though the day started with a light rain, it evolved into a sunny, warm day.
Once again, many volunteers made for a successful and extremely enjoyable day. The general attendance of spectators appeared to be lower, most likely due to the rain. Cindy Bartman was on hand to collect fees and pitch in where needed. Her husband, Ralph helped with the setup of the sound system and grills as well as assisting with awards presentation. Keith Hersey popped in about noon to oversee the grill, serving up delicious hamburgers, hotdogs and baked beans that had been donated by Wendy Furrow, Bartman and Pearl Bustard.
Andy Bustard once again skipped the race in order to ensure the bonfire never died out. Alberta McDonald, Jill Bustard and Stuart Sherwood helped with the food. Carla Cone ensured that everyone present, who had a single dollar on them, bought a ticket for the 50/50 raffle. This year’s raffle, however, included numerous prizes (Zebco fishing reel, fishing net, knives, etc.)  Her son, Isaac Cone, got in some needed volunteer time by overseeing whoopee pies and fudge that were for sale.
The Oakfield Fire Department, for the third year, was on hand for emergency rescue. Johnny White helped transport canoes from the finish line back to the park, while Shirley Drew and Jill White were both on hand with their camera eye to record the event.
The responsibility for accurate time keeping, perhaps the most important task of the day, was assumed by Shannon Lloyd of Oakfield.
“For the third year in a row, this is a great community event,” said Bustard, race organizer. “This is one of very few races in the immediate area, allowing local citizens to participate without the expense of traveling.  Enjoying a Saturday morning with volunteers, racers and various spectators is just a natural high, as you can feel so much positive energy from the community coming together for a brief time. This is just a great community.”