BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, which runs from Kenduskeag to Bangor, returned for its 57th edition on Saturday.
Organizer Debbie Gendreau, assistant director of parks and recreation for the city of Bangor, said the race had 742 participants in 402 boats.
“We have 23 classes so anyone can participate, whether you’re on a paddle board, canoe, kayak or raft,” Jandreau says.
Along the 26.5-mile route, countless spectators watched as teams and solo rowers raced through low water, rapids and to see who could finish first.
Thankfully, the rain did not prevent paddlers or spectators from participating in the race.
“There weren’t many people who pre-registered and didn’t show up today. And I think it’s because of the drizzle and the rain. People are so excited because they’re on the water anyway,” Jean said. Dro commented. “What else are they going to do today? Come on, let’s go out on the river and row.”
For many participants, Saturday’s race wasn’t their first time. In fact, some said racing at Kenduskeag is a family tradition, or has been for years.
What keeps them coming back year after year is the commitment to the community built around canoeing.
“It’s a great community event, and obviously we’re not going to be number one, but it’s fun to try. And it’s exhilarating, too,” says paddler David King.
“I put Bangor on the map. I mean, I’m 57 years old,” Jandreau explains. “There’s a lot of new people, like college kids going to the University of Maine or Husson University, who had never heard of this before, but are from Pennsylvania or somewhere. They seemed like they were having fun. And , I think we’ve got them, and they’ll be doing this for a long time.”
Fifty-seven years ago, two young men started Kenduskeag Canoe Racing out of passion, Jandreau said. It first started as a race for about 20 people, but over the years it has attracted more and more spectators.
Sonny Colburn, 92, one of the inventors, attended the race as a spectator to see how far his idea has come to fruition.
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