BAINBRIDGE – More than 1,200 paddlers and as many as 10,000 spectators are expected in Bainbridge this weekend for the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.
Now in its 49th year, the event is sponsored annually by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce. Initially conceived as a way of attracting tourists to the area, the regatta has grown over the years into a world championship canoeing event which attracts professional and amateur competitors from all across North America.
John Harmon has been tweaking the event since he took over as chair of the Regatta Committee three years ago, and he promises this year’s event will be better than ever.
Close to 50 canoe and kayak races will take place over the four days of competition, with the highlight being Monday’s demanding 70-mile endurance race from Cooperstown to Bainbridge. The grueling competition is the final leg of the Michelob Ultra Cup Triple Crown.
According to Harmon, thousands of spectators come to watch the race and enjoy the festivities at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge during the regatta. The family-friendly event will feature midway rides, live music, vendors, food concessions, fireworks displays and more. Admission and parking will be free on both Friday and Monday, and $7 per car-load on Saturday and Sunday.
The event will kick-off on Friday with The Generation Gap, a popular two-person adult - child race and Regatta Star, an American Idol-style karaoke contest.
The festivities will continue on Saturday, where the focus will be on children’s entertainment. Starting at 1 p.m., Story Telling Puppet Theater and Magician Bob Swislosky will be performing hourly shows. The Ross Park Zoomobile will also be on hand, and a boy’s bike and a girl’s bike will be given away, courtesy of Main Event Amusements.
Saturday will also mark the fourth running of the Dan Elwood Memorial 5K Run. For non-runners, a one mile walk has also been added this year. The event is sponsored by the Bainbridge-Guilford Class of 1980 in tribute to their former classmate, who died of cancer. Proceeds benefit Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County. Last year, more than 300 runners participated, Harmon said, and some $4,000 was raised for the cause.
Both Saturday and Sunday will feature virtually non-stop live music from 1 to 11 p.m., thanks to the second annual Dundee Ales and Lagers Music Festival.
“This year, we expanded it to two days,” Harmon said. “We’re going to highlight Country Bands on Saturday and Rock’n’Roll on Sunday.”
Saturday’s lineup will include the Jason Wicks Band, Hailey & Shawn, Driftwood and Sundown. Seven Second, Giant Steps, Roundhouse Rockers, Fetish Lane and the Randy McStine Band will take the stage on Sunday.
“It’s an all ages event,” said Harmon, who described the atmosphere at the music festival as family-oriented, even though alcohol will be served.
According to Harmon, the chamber isn’t the only organization which has a role in the regatta. A number of school groups and organizations contribute to its success, making it truly a community event.
“All the profits really are pumped back into the community,” he said.
While the regatta itself is only one weekend a year, planning is a year-round job.
“We are working on plans for the 50th as we speak,” Harmon reported.
For a complete list of races, activities and events visit the General Clinton Canoe Regatta website at www.canoeregatta.org.
General Clinton Canoe Regatta Schedule of Events
Friday May 27 Free Parking/Free Admission
5:30 p.m. Grounds open w/ National Anthem
6 p.m. The Monster Energy Generation Gap Race (Sidney fishing access)
7 p.m. The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce presents Regatta Star! (Pavilion)
Saturday, May 28 $7 Car Load Parking
9 a.m. The 4th Annual Dan Elwood Memorial 5k Run/1 Mile Walk for Hospice
Noon - 10 p.m. Craft and flea market
Noon - 11 p.m. Park open
