Rotary’s Aroostook River paddle
a celebration of spring
Twenty paddlers made their way down the Aroostook River from the Washburn bridge to the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club on Saturday as part of the Aroostook River Fun Run.
This year’s event started on a cloudy, drizzly morning and coincided with two local college graduations. But while the turnout was modest, the 8-mile downriver trip is always a good chance to appreciate the ecology and history of the Aroostook River, said Keith Brown, an engineer and Rotarian who helps with the event.
“It wasn’t that far back that the river was more polluted, back in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” said Brown, who’s originally from Washburn. “We do it now to call attention to the fact that we have a river we can play on and enjoy.”
Organized by the Presque Isle and Washburn Rotary clubs, the trip passes through more than a dozen islands and two sections of small rapids. On Saturday, clouds and occasional rain with temperatures in the 50s gave way to warming sun with light winds — a welcome contrast to past years of chilly paddles against headwinds.
This year, the ninth year the run was held, there were 13 canoes and kayaks registered with 16 paddlers, plus six volunteer “sweepers” paddling behind racers. The Ashland Girl Scouts and Washburn Boy Scouts helped with logistics and The Aroostook Medical Center sponsored and served lunch at the PI Fish and Game Club lodge.
Local musician Emitt Samon played guitar and sang while participants and volunteers awaited the awards ceremony.
Among those who entered to race, Fran Cyr won the category of solo canoe, finishing the paddle in just over an hour. In the solo kayak category, Justin Bell won with one hour and 10 minutes.
In the recreational two-man canoe category, father-and-son team John and George Graves clocked in at one hour 21 minutes, and in the recreational mix-gender canoe category, Ron and Fran Bomberger clocked in at one hour five minutes. In a raffle drawing, Stephen McAleer of New Brunswick won a new Guster one-person kayak and accessories.
Net proceeds from the event are donated to the Ashland Girl Scout Troop.
