BAINBRIDGE – For 50 years, the Village of Bainbridge has drawn people from across the country, and sometimes outside, to the General Clinton Canoe Regatta for a day of fun on the Susquehanna River.
This weekend will include more than 50 races in one or two person classes, including generation gap relays, race relays, scout races, 18-mile sprints, youth races, and of course, the longest single day flat water canoe race in the world – a grueling 70-mile test of endurance, stamina and skill.
The races begin at 5:30 tonight and at noon Saturday-Monday.
“This race has done two big things for the area: it’s brought a lot of people and helped the economy, and it’s provided the area with a 45-acre park that is paid for solely by the Regatta,” said Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Harmon.
Friday night is the kick off of the aquatic endeavours with the Monster Energy generation gaps races; Boy and Girl Scouts from across the northeast will get in on the action on Saturday; Sunday’s Grand Prix relay races will begin in Oneonta; and the world championship main event on Monday will pit professional and amateur canoeists beginning at the source of the Susquehanna River - Otsego Lake in Cooperstown.
A complete list of locations for the race and a map of the waterways can be found at canoeregatta.org.
Each race will cross the finish line at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, where spectators can take place in myriad activities while cheering on their favorite racers.
Harmon reported an estimated 3,000 amateur, professional and Olympic hopefuls will participate over the course of the weekend, including 28-time Canoe Regatta winner Serge Corbin, and Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Barton.
“This is a good, strong, solid event that brings a lot to the area,” said Harmon.
Friday will feature the Regatta Star singing competition with free parking and admission tonight.
Harmon reported that, while every day has its fair share of excitement, Saturday will feature some of the most unique aspects of the monumental anniversary.
Children of all ages won’t want to miss Saturday, said Harmon, when the park will have the Ross Park Zoo Mobile, Magic Chest Magician and the One Man Side Show. There will also be a raffle for a boy’s and girl’s bicycle provided by Main Event Amusements.
This year, to celebrate the half-century of watercourse fun, the Chamber of Commerce is adding a few special additions to the weekend.
Sign-ups will begin at noon on Saturday for the first-ever Canoe Parade traveling from Sidney to Bainbridge. Canoes and kayaks are invited to join more than 50 boats already registered for the float that will begin at 1 p.m.
