Rain doesn’t deter canoe racers from enjoying Shiawassee River

HOLLY, Michigan – More than 40 canoes and kayaks took part in Sunday’s sixth annual Holly to Fenton Canoe race – some taking part in the race, and others, just paddling for the fun of it.

Before the Expert Division took off, Holly Township Supervisor Jesse Lambert took the opportunity to welcome racers. “Thank you for all coming out today,” Lambert said. “It’s a little rainy today, but it’s a beautiful stretch of river from here to Fenton – enjoy!”

Three teams participated in the Expert Division of the race, while another 3 teams made up the Novice/Youth category. The Single Person Canoe/Kayak Division consisted of and 7 teams, while over 20 pleasure paddlers brought up the rear.

From the get go and racing in the Expert Division, Holly brothers Ken and Bruce Foss jumped out to a lead and never looked back. First to round the buoy in Holly’s mill pond and dump into the awaiting Shiawassee River, the Foss’ glided by Academy Bridge minutes before the next canoe.

An hour and 22 minutes from the time they began paddling in the mill pond, it was the Foss brothers gliding over the finish line in Fenton’s Strom Park.

Bruce Foss said he and his brother were in it to win it, and had spent a good amount of time practicing before the race. “It was a good workout,” he said. “We were able to keep a good pace – the practicing helped.”

Despite the rainy weather, President for Headwaters Trails, Inc. Sue Julian said she was pleased with the attendance. “I was happy that people took a look at the weather report and still said, ‘It looks like we have an opportunity here,’” she said. “The earlier racers had it better weather-wise, but the pleasure paddlers got wet – it poured on them.”

Rain or not, Julian deemed the event a success. “Overall, I thought the day went really, well,” she said. “Everybody seemed to have a great time.”

Next on the Headwaters Trail’s agenda is a free Fishing Contest to be held on Sunday, June 13. Participants can register at Holly’s WaterWorks Park on Sunday at 6 a.m. and later weigh in for the biggest fish caught out of the river at Fenton’s Strom Park at noon.  For more information, contact Doug Lanyk at (248) 634-4551.