BAINBRIDGE – For 50 years, the Village of Bainbridge has drawn people from across the country, and sometimes outside, to the General Clinton Canoe Regatta for a day of fun on the Susquehanna River.
This weekend will include more than 50 races in one or two person classes, including generation gap relays, race relays, scout races, 18-mile sprints, youth races, and of course, the longest single day flat water canoe race in the world – a grueling 70-mile test of endurance, stamina and skill.
The races begin at 5:30 tonight and at noon Saturday-Monday.
“This race has done two big things for the area: it’s brought a lot of people and helped the economy, and it’s provided the area with a 45-acre park that is paid for solely by the Regatta,” said Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Harmon.
Friday night is the kick off of the aquatic endeavours with the Monster Energy generation gaps races; Boy and Girl Scouts from across the northeast will get in on the action on Saturday; Sunday’s Grand Prix relay races will begin in Oneonta; and the world championship main event on Monday will pit professional and amateur canoeists beginning at the source of the Susquehanna River - Otsego Lake in Cooperstown.
A complete list of locations for the race and a map of the waterways can be found at canoeregatta.org.
Each race will cross the finish line at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, where spectators can take place in myriad activities while cheering on their favorite racers.
Harmon reported an estimated 3,000 amateur, professional and Olympic hopefuls will participate over the course of the weekend, including 28-time Canoe Regatta winner Serge Corbin, and Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Barton.
“This is a good, strong, solid event that brings a lot to the area,” said Harmon.
Friday will feature the Regatta Star singing competition with free parking and admission tonight.
Harmon reported that, while every day has its fair share of excitement, Saturday will feature some of the most unique aspects of the monumental anniversary.
Children of all ages won’t want to miss Saturday, said Harmon, when the park will have the Ross Park Zoo Mobile, Magic Chest Magician and the One Man Side Show. There will also be a raffle for a boy’s and girl’s bicycle provided by Main Event Amusements.
This year, to celebrate the half-century of watercourse fun, the Chamber of Commerce is adding a few special additions to the weekend.
Sign-ups will begin at noon on Saturday for the first-ever Canoe Parade traveling from Sidney to Bainbridge. Canoes and kayaks are invited to join more than 50 boats already registered for the float that will begin at 1 p.m.
Harmon said the best places to see the parade will be at the fishing access by the Rt. 8 bridge a mile outside of Sidney and the Whitaker’s parking lot.
At approximately 6 p.m. the public is invited to attend the Inaugural Induction of the first 12 members of the General Clinton Hall of Fame. Seven paddlers and five contributers will be inducted in what will undoubtably be a new annual tradition.
“We want to honor those who have participated and contributed to this event over the years,” said Harmon. “Putting this together takes a lot of work and time on the part of everyone and we want to recognize their dedication.”
Inductees include Serge Corbin of St. Boniface, Quebec; Serge’s brother Claude Corbin; Luc Robillard, Vermont; Peter Heed, New Hampshire; Ted Lamonica, Oneonta; Bob Zaveral, Mt. Upton; Jan Povlock, Unadilla; Cliff “Red” Wade, Bainbridge, Lew Whitney, Bainbridge; Wayne King, Bainbridge; Ed Roelle, Sidney; and Charlie Hinckly, the late founder of the Regatta.
General Clinton Canoe Regatta historian Dick Davies noted in a press release last week that the Regatta has had a remarkable run and that the Hall of Fame “seems like the ideal way to pay tribute to the top paddlers, organizers and contributors that shaped the Regatta’s half-century of history.”
Following the ceremony there will be a performance by rock/pop/funk/junk band Scattered Flurries from Buffalo. A fireworks display sponsored by NBT Bank will begin at 10 p.m. and Main Event Amusements will once again provide a carnival replete with rides, food, and for the first time, a 40-foot rock climbing wall.
Admission and parking for Saturday and Sunday will be $7.
At 9 a.m. on Saturday, anyone who’d prefer a race on dry land, or, more importantly, interested in contributing to a worthy cause, has the chance to participate in the 5th annual Dan Elwood 5k Run and 1 mile walk.
The race begins and ends in the park and follows a path partway up Dingman Hill. All proceeds go directly to benefit Hospice.
“Hospice helped the entire Elwood family so much in their time of need,” said Event Coordinator Brenda Parsons. “We wanted to give back to the organization that was so great to Dan’s family in his final days and weeks.”
A light breakfast is provided by Kathy Elwood following the run.
The festivities don’t let up on Sunday with The Regatta Music Festival presented by Dundee Ales and Lagers from 1-11 p.m.
The entertainment will showcase FARLEY from Danville, Pa., as well as local bands Woodshed Prophets, Honeystruck, and Giant Steps and concludes with the second fireworks display of the weekend by American Fireworks and sponsored by MeadWestvaco.
Finally, beginning at 6 a.m. on Memorial Day, the 70-mile canoe race, the weekend’s main event, will be covered by WCDO FM101/AM1490 for an all day broadcast. Parking and admission will be free all day.