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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Kiwanis gear up for race

Event hopes to break goal of 100 entries for annual canoe race

By Daniel Lai, Editor

PUBLISHED: May 17, 2007

Ready, set, go!

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The Manchester Kiwanis Club's 41st annual Canoe Race on the Raisin River will be held at noon Sunday.

"There are several categories this year that contestants can enter in," club co-chair Pat Vailliencourt, said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

Vailliencourt said in the past, the event has been very successful.

"It's been weather-dependant, but we've done real well in the past," she said. "This year we are hoping to break our goal of 100 entries."

Vailliencourt said pre-registration for the event will be held until today.

"A lot of people pre-register, but some probably want to wait to see what the weather is going to be like," she said.

Vailliencourt said participants can also register the day of the race.

This year, the race will include eight categories and a sprint race. The categories include adult/child, teen, women, man/woman, choose your partner, singles, company and corporate challenge.

"We would like any business to participate in the challenge," she said.

Club member Bill Schwab said those wishing to participate who register before Friday can expect to pay $10 per person. Those who register after Friday can expect to pay $12 per person. Children 12 and younger are free, he said. All profits from the event are returned to the community to support the summer gazebo concerts and other Kiwanis activities, he said.

"So many people have a fun time with this," he said. "It's a nice sporting community tradition. We've been doing it since 1967 and it's just been wonderful.

"It's one of those events that have helped put us on the map. We have so many people coming from all over to see the river and canoes and participate."

Canoes and kayaks will be launched every minute starting at noon from Fellows Bridge, Vailliencourt said.

"Trophies will be handed out for first, second and third place winners in each category," she said.

Schwab said the advantage of nine categories allows for more participants to win a trophy.

"You can get into any class and be a winner," he said. "You just have to choose your skill level and get in the class you think you can do the best in."

In addition to the race, Vailliencourt said the Kiwanis Club is raffling off a Pungo kayak. The grand prize winner will receive the kayak, paddle and vest, she said. Tickets are $10.

Pre-registration forms are available at the Coffee Mill CafÈ, 146 E. Main St., or Edward Jones, 230 E. Main St. Event T-shirts are also available at the Coffee Mill and also can be purchased the day of the race for $10-$12.

For more nformation, contact Schwab at 428-8976.