KENDUSKEAG, Maine — Hundreds of paddlers from all over the country will soon jump in their canoes and take to the water, some even wearing funky hats and creative costumes.
This can only mean the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is almost back for its 55th season.
The 16.5-mile race, hosted by the Bangor Department of Parks and Recreation, begins in the town of Kenduskeag and ends near the Penobscot River in Downtown Bangor next to Sea Dog Brewing Company.
“It’s definitely an icon of the state of Maine," Debbie Gendreau, assistant director of the Bangor Department of Parks and Recreation, said. "People have been doing it every year. There are some people that are in their 80s still doing it this year. People have raced as much as 53 out of the 55 times, which is an amazing feat.”
The canoe race was either canceled or minimized during the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's back to full strength this year.
There won't be a limit on participants like last year, Gendreau told NEWS CENTER Maine, and folks can even register on race day.
Paddlers need to register before April 8 if they're looking for the least expensive option at $45 per person. From April 8 through April 14, registration will cost $65. If paddlers register on the eve of the race or the day of, the entry is $75.
"A lot goes into this," Tim Baude, a recreation programmer, said. "We have to get our search and rescue crews together so everyone is safe along the river. We have to talk to the state to get a certificate to race on the river."
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For more race information or to register, click here to go to the race website.