HOULTON, Maine — Paddlers from around the state will converge on the Shiretown Saturday, May 4, for the annual Meduxnekeag River Canoe and Kayak race.
The race typically draws more than 100 participants, but the skill level of those paddlers can vary dramatically. For some, the event is competitive, but for others, it is more of a leisurely stroll down the river.
Last year, high winds caused whitecaps on the river, prompting race organizers to cancel the popular event.
“The water is high right now, but this year we have a contingency plan,” said Jane Torres, executive director for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. The race serves as a one of the larger fundraisers for the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. That plan involves moving the beginning and ending points of the race so that paddlers would not have to travel underneath bridges.
“Last year, there were a lot of whitecaps and we were afraid some paddlers who maybe did not know what they were doing, could have a hard time,” Torres said.
As races go, the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race falls near the beginning of the state’s canoe race schedule. Pre-registrations have been a bit slower this year, according to Torres.
Some years, the water levels are so low that paddlers have to exit their boats and walk along some of the rockier sections of the river. That should not be the case this year, as the water levels are currently very high.
“The water should drop over the next week,” Torres said.
The Meduxnekeag River got its name from Maliseet Indians in the area. Its name means “rocks at its mouth.” The river is 35 miles long and flows east from Drews Lake to Woodstock, New Brunswick, where it enters the St. John River.
In the beginning, the canoe race was a chance for daring college students at Ricker College to let off some steam before final exams and the end of the school year. A party-oriented event, students often cared less about their finishing time or who won the race.
At some point, the Houlton Rotary Club took over the race and turned it into a more competitive event. Over the years, the race has started at different locations, depending on the water levels. Traditionally, the race begins at the home of Linwood and Julia Wellington on the Station Road in New Limerick.
The course winds from Mill Stream into the Meduxnekeag River and finishes below the Highland Avenue bridge at the public landing. Refreshments such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and sodas, typically await the tired, hungry and sometimes wet paddlers.
The race offers a variety of classes for the competitive paddlers, but also has its fair share of novices participating. Rescue personnel donate their time to assist with patrolling the river, ready to help when needed.
Paddlers can pre-register by emailing Torres at director@greaterhoulton.com. People can also register in person at the chamber office or pre-register on race day, starting at 8 a.m. A mandatory safety briefing is 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. In the event of rain, the awards ceremony will be held at the Gentle Memorial Building.
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.
