The AGH – FVM Foundation has rescheduled its inaugural Paddle for AGH event to Sunday, Aug. 13.
The event, originally scheduled for Canada Day, was postponed because of poor weather and safety concerns (high water). This new Sunday date gives more paddlers time to sign up and participate in what promises to be a great afternoon of canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and even raft racing. All activities will take place from the Almonte Fairgrounds beach between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The day will feature a 5 km Community Paddle up the Mississippi River towards Appleton, open to canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. This is not a race, and even young children can be accommodated in a modified 1 km route for families. The Community Paddle will leave at 11 a.m.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., fun canoe, kayak and paddle board races will take place across the width of the river. Although these are 300 metre races, they are meant for all levels of paddlers. The emphasis will be on fun.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., teams of four members each will take to the water with the rafts they have assembled on site that morning and race across the 300-metre width. Assembly will begin at 11 a.m. and must be finished by 2:15 p.m. Rafts signed up to participate include:
- The Lifesavers (Staff from Fairview Manor)
- Mississippi Mud Pies (Councillors John Edwards, Amanda Pulker-Mok, Jane Torrance and Christa Lowry)
- Captain Von Razor (AGH-FVM Foundation)
- Le Raft (Lee Valley Tools)
- Levi Raft (Thomas Levi and crew)
Because this is a fundraiser in support of new diagnostic imaging equipment at the Hospital, pledge incentives and prizes will be awarded. These include Paddle for AGH T-shirts and caps, gift certificates and merchandise from Lee Valley Tools, and Wilderness Tours gift certificates.
Prizes and medals will also be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes in any of the canoe, kayak, paddle board or raft races, as well as for raft design, team spirit, costumes and a judges’ pick.
Onshore activities will include paddle-making and canoe-building displays, children’s games, music and food.
More information, including how to register online before the Monday, Aug. 7 deadline is available at: www.almontehospitalfoundation.com.
