Thousands of people are expected to take in the 10th Annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge this weekend.
With races and entertainment on the Mattagami River and the festival grounds set up at Participark, there is something for the whole family to take in.
It starts at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 and runs until Sunday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.
“The longterm forecast is calling for some rain, but that could change. But rain or shine, this show will go on. The only time that we would call it is if there’s thunder and lightning that puts people in harm’s way,” said Guy Lamarche, Tourism Timmins manager.
As of this morning, there were 76 paddlers ranging in age from 2 to 73 years registered for Saturday's races.
“I suspect that the next two days will be extremely busy with many more registrations expected and historically that has been the case,” he said.
The registration deadline has been extended this year, with people being able to sign up until 4 p.m. Friday.
“This is a first, typically we’ve always cut things off 4 o’clock on the Thursday, but Lacey (Rigg) felt comfortable enough to extend it and I think the latecomers, which we’ve seen every year, will be very happy with this decision,” he said.
With the hot and dry summer, forest fires have been a concern for northeastern Ontario.
Lamarche said the fires have had an effect on some people.
“We have fielded many, many telephone calls from paddlers that originate in the south asking if passage is still safe, etc. There have been some concerns expressed, but again looking at the registration numbers now, I think some of the discussions we’ve had with some of those individuals expressing some concern have been dismissed so they are coming,” she said.
Water levels are also low, with Lamarche noting that means some deadheads are exposed on the river.
“We need to mindful of this and exercise caution. One such deadhead is directly south of the bridge and just east of the river’s centre line. We will do our best tomorrow to put a buoy there alerting the participants that there’s a bit of a hazard in the middle of that river,” he said.
Aside from the kayak races, there will be vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more slated for Participark.
With the competitive races taking place Saturday, there is still water-based fun to look forward to Sunday.
There is the three-person kayak sprint, a five-kilometre guided family leisure paddle and shore lunch, Alzheimer Society rubber duck race, water stunt performances and flyboard lessons.
While HGS has participated in the challenge in the past, this year the company stepped up as a sponsor for the three-person sprint.
“All proceeds are being donated to Living Space non-profit organization and their vision is ending homelessness in Timmins,” said site director Danielle Williams. “We’re partnering with them, all fees are being given to them, it’s $60 per kayak, no experience is required, kayaks and paddles are provided, but we do ask all participants to bring their own lifejacket. It’s just for fun and we’ll have various prizes, including a team spirit prize.”
The full schedule for the kayak challenge is available here.
