Canoe race to raise money for scholars

    It’s only a week and a half away. The annual Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race, sponsored by Dollars for Scholars. This year, the race has been moved to Saturday, May 3.     “We believe that the Houlton race will be the second largest whitewater canoe race in the state,” said race director Peter Blood. “Second only to Bangor. There will be at least nine races in southern Maine before our race.”
    As warmer temperatures set in, ice is melting and water levels may rise, but the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race is always a challenge no matter the weather or water depth.
    “We are hoping for record numbers this year due to MaCKRO’s (Maine Canoe and Kayak Race Organization) picking Houlton as the final race in the whitewater series. MaCKRO will announce and award the state champions after the Houlton race.”
    Last year, the race raised $2,800 for the local Dollars for Scholars chapter.
    Each year, the organizers try to boost the participants in a particular class. This year, race organizers want to see more young people back in the race so they are hoping to add more paddlers in the college class.
    “We are hoping the college class will increase this year,” Blood said. “As more and more former high school students return. And, speaking of the high school class, who will take the traveling trophy back to their school this year?”
    “Unfortunately, we don’t have earlier records,” said Blood.
    Todd Willard of SAD 29 and Malcolm Nesbitt of SAD 70 are again co-chairmen of the race. T-shirts are in, trophies are ready and door prizes collected.
    “One out of four paddlers will receive a quality door prize worth up to $100,” said Blood.
    Early pre-registrations will be at Blood’s home on 3 Washburn St. or paddlers can call him at 532-2577  for more information. Registration forms may also be picked up at QED Optics.
    Race day registration starts at 8 a.m., with a race briefing at 9:30 a.m.