21 May 2024 Celebrate Paddling ADK Events are Underway
Celebrate Paddling ADK, an annual month-long festival celebrating the paddling culture of the Adirondacks, officially kicked off on Friday, May 10. Paddlers gathered to share their love for the water with a paddling mixer hosted at Sunset Bistro in Saranac Lake. The energy carried through to Saturday’s highlight event, the 2024 ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race, hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT). Drawing 102 boats, this annual tradition saw a record-breaking turnout. Following the race, attendees continued the festivities at the Freshest Film Festival at The Waterhole Music Lounge. The festival takes place throughout Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake and will continue until July 7 with paddling events, guided trips, races, and other events.
Since 2016, Celebrate Paddling ADK has been dedicated to commemorating the paddling heritage of the Adirondacks through engaging lectures, a river cleanup initiative, and an array of paddling events on nearby waters. The festival was created through a collaboration between many partners including the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, MAC’s Canoe Livery, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Raquette River Outfitters, Guide ADK, Northwest River Supplies, Saranac Lake Area of Commerce and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism.
Kenzie Marine, Saranac Lake regional manager at ROOST, expressed her enthusiasm for the festival, stating, “Celebrate Paddling ADK embodies the spirit of community and adventure that defines our region. We’re excited to welcome paddlers of all backgrounds to experience the magic of our local waterways.”
ADK ArtRise is offering creative art classes such as guided watercolor painting, nail string art, and solar-powered printing. Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters is offering a guided night kayak tour every Tuesday during the festival. Other fun events include a cardboard race, a guided birding paddle, and free community paddles with various outfitters.
The Adirondack Paddling Symposium takes place from June 14-17. Scheduled during Celebrate Paddling ADK, it offers a comprehensive weekend of paddling instruction with beginner and intermediate course tracks for kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pack boats.
Celebrate Paddling ADK culminates with the Willard Hanmer Races on July 7.
The festival offers a diverse range of events and activities including races, educational presentations, and guided trips, attracting paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Celebrate Paddling ADK offers something for everyone passionate about exploring the region’s pristine waterways.
Further details about the festival and its schedule of events can be found at celebratepaddlingadk.com.
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