OUT and ABOUT with Seeker Chick Mai-Liis: on a cold and dreary day attending the 51st Annual Raisin River Canoe Race

Despite the cold and damp weather today (contrary to last year) 400 paddlers braved the elements and cold water to take part in the 51st Annual Raisin River Canoe Race, traveling the 30km stretch of river starting in St. Andrews West all the way to Williamstown, through the rough waters of Martintown where I located myself to take some photos.

Breakfast to fuel up with was served at the St. Andrews Church Hall by the Knights of Columbus and launch time was at 10:30 am in St. Andrews. 

The Martintown Dam was open but the RRCA encouraged all paddlers to use the portage route around the dam, however most paddlers decided to “shoot the dam” instead.

The day concluded with a post-race dinner at the Char-Lan Recreation Centre served by the St. Mary’s Community Centre and the race awards ceremony at 4:30pm.

Despite cold weather conditions a large crowd turned out to watch the action along the river and I was happy to have my two little helpers beside me who let me know each time someone was coming through so that I could get ready to take a photo.

I was freezing on the shore, as was everyone else, but have to admit that I felt even colder when I saw paddlers capsize their mode of transport and fall into the water. Until next year, lets hope for warmer weather conditions!