MERRILL, Maine — A small, but determined field of paddlers took part in the fifth annual Merrill Millstream Park canoe race was held on Saturday
The race day began with registration at 9 a.m. and included plenty of free coffee and pastries for participants and onlookers alike.
“For the fifth year in a row, a great community event,” said Ken Bustard, race coordinator. “We don’t really make money at this event, and that is OK as that is not our motive. We want to bring community together. Next year, we are going to reformat the race, to make it less of a time competition, and incorporate a ‘treasure hunt’ component. We want to see every local family with a canoe put it in the water, if only for one day.”
Bustard started releasing the racers at 10 a.m., with the assistance of Shannon Lloyd of Oakfield, the official time keeper. There were a total of 11 paddlers this year. There was one competitor in the short kayak, two in single person canoe and eight in two person canoe.
Brian and Courtney MacDonald, who have competed in the event all five years, took first place in the two person canoe with a time of one hour, 45 minutes and 25 seconds. They were closely followed by Brian and Paula Stevens at 1:46:51.
Matt Furrow, home from his second year at Maine Maritime Academy, posted an impressive time of 1:51:58 in the single kayak division. Peter Blood of Houlton, the oldest racer and only professional class entrant, ran in the single person canoe class and had the best overall time of 1:41:11. This was Blood’s third year at the race.
“Overall, the race was a great success, with undoubtedly the best weather conditions than any prior year,” Bustard said. “The main challenge faced by all racers was the lower than average water levels.”
Once again, many volunteers made for a successful and extremely enjoyable day. Ralph and Cindy Bartman were on hand to help with food and oversee the coffee. Ralph Bartman also assisted with awards presentation. Jill Bustard and Wendy Furrow oversaw the raffle tickets and helping wherever needed. Other volunteers were Andy Bustard, Brenda Hersey and Shannon Lloyd. The responsibility for timekeeping was assumed by Shannon Lloyd of Oakfield.
The morning was topped off with lots of great food (Italian sausage , hot dogs and beans) and a raffle. Shirley Drew of Oakfield won the single person kayak.
