Great Washago River Fest
Saturday, June 23, 2007
route:
length: 20.0km, 1 day
difficulty: novice
organizer: Dan Herbert
participants: Dan Herbert,
offsite report: www.washagorotary.ca/riverfest.html
OR try the Wayback Machine
report:
The second annual Rotary Great Washago RiverFest was held on Saturday, June 23rd, 2007. By all accounts, the event was a big success. Rotarian Sue Reed who organized this year's event said "It was great and everyone was thrilled with the beautiful location and rivers [in Washago], and all plan to return next year." There were 21 vessels and 31 paddlers registered in this year's event which was up from last year. Reed said "It was wonderful to see so many participants who came from far and wide to participate. Next year, we hope to increase the numbers in the Recreational Class Racers." The event involves various professional & recreational canoe and kayak races on Washago's winding Severn River system. The longest race is 20 kms and involves two portages over Wasdell Falls and Lock 42 on The Trent Severn Waterway and was won for the second year in a row by local professional paddlers Peter Harbocian and his son David of Washago who recorded a time of 1 hr 38 minutes and 9 seconds. Second Prize went to Rene Boogemans and Dave Johnson both of Strathroy (1 hr 38 minutes and 9 seconds) and third place went to Kim Crumpton and Mark Clok both of North Bay with a time of 1 hr 38 min 11 seconds. The Rotary Club offers cash prizes to the winners of $100, $60, and $40 respectively. The Recreational Race which was approximately 4 kms was won by Gail Bailey & John Liversage of Stouffville with a time of 32 min 10 seconds. Bailey & Liversage were back for the second year in a row and worked very hard to secure first place this year. Gail Bailey said "We have nothing like this in Stouffville and it is such a treat to paddle in this beautiful area. We brought a new canoe with us this year and were very happy with it's performance." Bailey & Liversage received the RiverFest trophy which was hand crafted by local Rotary member Doug Cooper. All festivities which included a Barbeque and prize presentations took place in Washago's Centennial Park. All participants receive a Riverfest Tee-Shirt, all of which are provided by the event's many sponsors. For a compete list of winners, you can visit the club's website at http://www.washagorotary.ca/riverfest.html. | 
