HOULTON, Maine — Unusually high waters may mean faster times, and perhaps a few more spills, for the 2017 Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race.
This year’s race is scheduled for Saturday, April 29.
Thanks to a large amount of snowfall this past winter, coupled with a few days of rain, water levels are very high along the Meduxnekeag River. The high levels are a stark contrast to last year’s race that saw many canoers scraping bottom and stepping out of their boats and walking along the river.
“We thought about having this race the first weekend in May, but you never know how much water you will have then,” explained Jane Torres, race director. “Right now the water is high and fast. But it could drop some, so it should be perfect conditions.”
The race typically draws around 100 participants. Last year, 94 paddlers competed in the popular race. Ben Randall had the fastest time of any participant last year as he completed the course in 1 hour, 20 minutes and 41 seconds.
Interest appears to be high for this year’s race as a number of people have already pre-registered.
“We start getting applications starting in February,” Torres said. “A lot of people are very attached to this race, which is part of the MACKRO race circuit.”
As the race begins, paddlers will travel through calm waters to Green Pond where a crew of volunteers will be positioned to assist if needed. 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 the Tate and Lyle plant in New Limerick.
Paddlers can pre-register by calling Torres at 532-4216 or by email at director@greaterhoulton.com. People can also pre-register at at 8 a.m. with a safety briefing being held at 9:30 a.m. at the Wellington residence on the Station Road in New Limerick. The eight-mile race starts at 10 a.m.
The finish line will be the public landing near the Highland Avenue Bridge and an awards ceremony will be held at Riverfront Park. Shuttle service will be available to take people to Riverfront Park.
The cost is $15. Each participant will also receive a T-shirt with the event logo and after the race, there will be a barbecue luncheon for participants. Guests of the racers may purchase a lunch for a nominal fee.
All non-Aroostook County participants will also be treated to a bag of locally-grown potatoes. “A lot of people say they come up to this race just for the potatoes,” Torres said.
Peter and Carol Blood, as well as Clint and Lorinda Cushman are once again assisting Torres with the canoe race.
Proceeds from the race help support the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce’s summer and fall activities. For more information or to pre-register, call Torres at 532-4216 or 694-3414.
