Merrill’s first canoe race full of spills, chills and just plain fun

The Merrill Millstream Park first-ever canoe race may not have been overloaded with participants, but it was reminiscent of the early days of the annual Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race when it was just fun to go down the river and watch friendly competition.
    “The canoe race can be declared a success,” said race coordinator Ken Bustard. “Success measured by enthusiastic participation, good sportsmanship, overwhelming spectator support, no serious injuries and just a great time had by all.”
On a cool day, 16 boats signed up for the race for a total of 30 paddlers. Peter Blood of Houlton who is an avid canoe racer mentored Bustard during the weeks leading up to the race, since Blood was co-organizer of the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race for many years.
“He instructed me on organizational tips, time keeping and numerous other important details,” said Bustard.
“The father/son/daughter category was especially encouraging, with four teams competing — two sons and two daughters,” said Bustard. “We hope to see even more such teams in future races.”
First-place finishers in the Father/Son/Daughter category were Brian McDonald and daughter Courtney McDonald of Oakfield with a time of one hour, 24 minutes. In second place, Alden and son A.J. Bustard of Bangor with a time of 1:32:47 and third went to Travis Libby and daughter Taylor Libby of Merrill with a time of 1:35:49.
“Peter Blood and Clint Cushman, both energetic, dedicated veterans of the sport, should have been in the senior class, but had to race against the “young guns,” said Bustard. “They proved that age is only a number.  Their combined age of 137 years did not deter them from first place and setting a time of one hour, nine minutes and 30 seconds that will most likely stand for many years.”
Coming in second behind Blood/Cushman in the two-male canoe category were Andy Bustard of Merrill and his son Matt of Oakfield, with a time of 1:22:50 and third was Matt Furrow and Dave Morse, both of Merrill, 1:23:37.
Matt Furrow, one of the youngest racers, showed true sportsmanship when he handed his first-place paddle to his friend Austin Burpee, accepting the second-place ribbon instead, said Bustard.
“Austin stopped to assist Matt during the race, and as a result lost valuable time, dropping him back to second place,” Bustard explained. “What better way to say thank you to a friend than giving up your first-place paddle.”
Furrow of Merrill finished the race with a time of 1:46:54, while Burpee came in at 1:52:44 in the kayak short one-person division.
Then in the two-women canoe division, Bustard noted the gutsy drive of the first-place finishers.
“Shannon Hersey Lloyd and Michelle Boutilier demonstrated what a couple county girls can accomplish when they put their minds to it,” he said. “Both are recreational canoeists and have not competed in races. They paddled through the course, enduring the cold water and aching muscles, arriving at the finish line with everything dampened, but their spirits.”
Hershey-Lloyd/ Boutilier came across the finish line in a time of 1:56:58, followed by Cindy Collier of Oakfield and Jayne Anderson of Houlton with a time of 1:58:10.
And the highlight of the race, besides watching some paddlers take a cold dip into the water, were David Gordon and Nate Hardy.
“They would have received the “most original” award had one been presented,” said Bustard. “Their creative attire and high energy added a welcomed spark of fun.”
Manning the river to keep paddlers safe were volunteers of the Oakfield Fire Department.
“They monitored the entire race course, assisting several racers to get their canoes upright after an icy flip in the Mattawamkeag waters,” said Bustard.
The race ran fairly smoothly with the help of those in the background.
“Peter Drew and Johnny White ferried canoes from the finish line back to the park, preventing a congestion at the “red bridge,” while Ralph and Cindy Bartman kept the campfire going for the wet racers and made sure the coffee pot stayed full and hot dogs were ready upon everyone’s return,” said Bustard. “Alberta McDonald assisted with the cooking, putting food out, and any other odd job that needed done, as is typical for her. Candy Nevers, our town manager, was present to offer encouragement, assist with registration and present the coveted awards.”
However, Nevers noted it was Bustard and his wife Pearl who came up with the idea of holding a canoe race.
“They need some praise, as well,” said Nevers. “Ken and Pearl did the schedules, coordinating, running errands, picking up materials and made the event happen.”
The second annual Merrill Millstream Park canoe race will be held the second weekend of May.
“It will probably not attract the adrenalin junkies who crave dangerous rapids and setting new records, although the Mattawamkeag River does offer its share of respectable rapids and obstacles,” said Bustard. “But, we will see more families, sons, daughters, friends and neighbors. We will not run out of hotdogs, maybe add burgers to the menu, and see more families just ‘hang around’ enjoying their first summer cookout, chatting with neighbors they haven’t seen all winter, and just soaking in the strength of community.”