Friday August 22, 2014 saw the first day of the Great Canadian Kayak Festival and Challenge at the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Park and the Mattagami River.
From the Arts and Culture Routes and family activities to the great food and live music there’s something for everyone.
With a variety of events throughout the weekend including, of course, the internationally recognized kayak races on Saturday and Sunday.
“This 'end of summer' water based festival attracts paddlers from throughout North America and Europe, all vying for a piece of the $15,000 prize,” say event organizers. “With 9 competitive paddling divisions, kayak clinics, a 5km guided family paddle and traditional shore launch, and the much anticipated Heart & Stroke Foundation Kayak for the Heart of It sprint competition via three person boats, this festival continues to draw thousands of spectators hungry for paddling action. The festival provides a number of exciting activities sure to please children, families and seniors alike.”
With the first day of the Great Canadian Kayak Festival and Challenge behind us, the schedule for Saturday will see the opening ceremonies take place at the Aboriginal Village exhibit at 6 a.m.; including the Sacred Fire lighting, a Sunrise Ceremony and Smudge.
At 8 a.m., Charlene Agonah will be at the Mattagami River, just North of Judging Deck for the Blessing of the Water.
For any paddlers who might be interested, Bodhi Tree Hot Yoga will be presenting Yoga Stretch for Paddlers at the Mattagami Beach Area.
The Kayak races will be starting between 9 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. with the Celebrity Challenge running at noon.
Come out to cheer on your favourite paddlers and be sure to stick around to support them at the awards ceremony between 4:30 and 5:30 Saturday afternoon.
There will also be live performances throughout the day and a number of activities for the kids.
Sunday morning at 11 a.m., “Kayak for the Heart of it” will be held in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
The Alzheimer Society will be holding its annual Rubber Duck Race at 4 p.m. followed by the closing ceremonies at 5 p.m.
The fireworks display is scheduled for 10:30pm Saturday night and event organizers would like to remind us that there will be road and river closures before and during the fireworks display so please arrive before the closures or follow the posted detours to get through town.
Additionally, the public is reminded that “Public access to the Mattagami and Mountjoy Rivers from the Public Boat Launch and Mattagami River Beach will be restricted. Both the Boat Launch and Public Beach area will be closed to the general public from 8am to 6pm on Saturday August 23rd & again on Sunday August 24.”
“For those people accessing the river from private docks, we ask that you exercise extreme caution around competitors. Slow down, minimize your wake and yield right of way to the paddlers.”
(PHOTO Balloon pilot Kenny Blackburn of Montgolfiere Aventure conducts a thorough inspection on the balloon. Dave Kramer/ TimminsToday)