East River Challenge Canoe Race

Location: Hadley Lake, East Machias

Part of the MaCKRO (Maine Canoe and Kayak Race Organization) race series, the East River Challenge on Saturday, April 28 is a six-mile canoe race that starts at Palmer’s Landing on Hadley Lake and winds its way down the East Machias river. The final leg of the race is a challenging set of rapids through Mill Park in East Machias.

Registration is at 10 a.m. at Palmer’s Landing with a race start time of 11 a.m. An awards ceremony will be held at the park’s bandstand, located between the two bridges in East Machias, following the race.

The race is open to anyone 12 years or older and there is a registration fee of $12 per person. All racers must wear approved personal flotation devices and protective helmets.

A raffle for a kayak with paddle and life jacket will be held the day of the race. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at Palmer’s Landing and at Mill Park near the finish line. The winner will be drawn during the awards ceremony immediately following the completion of the race.

The East River Challenge is sponsored by Coca Cola and Sunrise Canoe and Kayak.

For more information, contact Andrea Ednie, assistant professor of recreation management, at 255-1303 or aednie@maine.edu.