On your mark, get set, paddle!

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Canoeists take off from the st...

HOLLY, Michigan – As long as the weather man is predicting mostly sunny skies and temperatures nearing the 80 degree mark for Sunday, why not dust off the canoe and take part in Headwaters Trails’ seventh annual Holly to Fenton Canoe Race?

With several categories in which to race, the 7-mile stretch begins on Stiff’s mill pond directly across from Holly’s WaterWorks Park, 602 S. Broad St., Holly.

At the blast of the starting gun, racers will paddle the length of the mill pond around a buoy and back to shore where they will carry their canoe across S. Broad Street doswn to the awaiting Shiawassee River.

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Paddlers begin their jouney do...

The beautiful winding stretch of the Shiawassee River to Fenton should be free of fallen trees and debris, as volunteer crews have worked diligently to clear the way. A sweep boat will follow racers, and spotters will be positioned along the route to ensure paddles’ safety. Personal floatation devices must be worn by all paddlers per the American Canoe Association.

It all comes to an end in Fenton’s Strom Park where the folks from Heavener Canoes will offer return transportation to Holly for paddlers and their canoes.

Canoe rentals will be available on the day of the race, however, those in need of a canoe are asked to contact Heavener Canoes prior to the event to reserve a canoe at (248) 685-2379 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (248) 685-2379      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

On-site registration begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, with an Introductory Ceremony scheduled for 11:30 and experienced racers taking off 15 minutes later. The novice/youth division shoves off at 12:15 p.m. while kayaks and lone canoeists leave at 12:45 p.m. Pleasure paddlers can hit the river at 1 p.m.

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Canoists make a speedy finish ...

Cost of the race is $20 per team for Headwaters Trails organization members, $25 per non-member team in advance, and $30 per team on the day of the race. Pleasure paddlers who belong to Headwaters Trails pay $8 per watercraft on the day of the event, where non members can paddle for $10. Those registering on the day of the race will pay $12.

The Holly to Fenton Canoe Race registration form can be found on the Headwaters Trails website. Other questions about the race can be directed to Sue Julian at (248) 634-3513 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (248) 634-3513      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.