Get ready to get set and go, Sault Ste. Marie, because Riverfest is just a day away, scheduled to kick off its first race at 8 a.m. Saturday.
“This will be Chippewa County Community Foundation’s (CCCF) fifth year running the family event,” said Executive Director Steven F. Habusta of the event, previously known as 'Soo Ultimate Paddle Day. “One of our missions is to serve our community. The community needed fun activities for families and people that would allow them to take advantage of our great outdoors."
First up is the Michigan Canoe Races Association (MCRA) Professional Canoe Race at 8 a.m., featuring professional canoe racers from across the nation and St. Marys River. Registration begins at 7 a.m. on Rotary Island, costing $20.00 plus $2.85 in fees per team. Racers will paddle two laps around a seven-mile loop down the river for a total distance of 14 miles. Life jackets and canoe bow cover are mandatory. A total of $1,000 in prize money will be awarded.
After that, it’s Yoga and Mimosas from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. under Marchetti’s Beverage Tent. There will be two 45-minute yoga sessions running from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own paddle boards if they have them, due to a limited number available. Mimosas can be ordered in advance. As always, you must be over the age of 21 to order and/or drink alcoholic beverages.
Let the Communitywide Battleship begin at 10 a.m. when teams assemble at Rotary Park to face off against three other canoes in Rotary Lagoon. This event will be limited to 32 teams with spots filling up rather quickly. Communitywide Battleship is free to compete in. Life jackets, water guns and all necessary gear will be supplied by CCCF.
Riverfest Free Family Events run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to include the St. Marys River Float, Canoe Battleship, Large Voyager Canoe Rides, Water slide, Slackline, and Frog Fishing with an opportunity to win a Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Norris Center membership. Life vests will be provided by CCCF.
The St. Marys River Scavenger Hunt will begin at noon. Registration for the hunt starts at 9 a.m. on Rotary Island. The first 50 people may reserve life jackets for free. The scavenger hunt will be made up of two-person teams for two hours on an adventure to discover islands in the St. Marys River.
Next on the itinerary is the PRO/AM Canoe - Kayak - Stand Up Paddleboard Race. Racers will journey along a four mile course around a chain of four islands and back to Rotary Park. Signs directing paddlers can be found along the route. Do not be surprised to see wildlife out and about. Amateur races are scheduled to start at 1:10 p.m.
The Riverfest Paddle Party is set to begin at 3 p.m., so get your paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks ready to travel around the river in this free event.
Expect to hear music playing throughout the day, food vendors, and beverage tents.
The Riverfest Afterdark party will get started around 9 p.m., playing live music until 11 p.m.
“This event allows our organization to put on other events like YAC days (Youth Advisory Council),” said Habusta.
The student-led Chippewa County organization was designed to teach young people the decision making skills needed to promote community development. Riverfest will fund this CCCF program, along with others throughout the year.
Also, it is just a good time of year for families to be out on the water.
“I'm a parent of four kids,” said Habusta. “I'm always looking for stuff to do with my kids. I am encouraging people to get down to the children's music.”
Soo Locks Children’s museum will have games and activities set up throughout the day, as it raises money to continue construction.
Saturday's winners will receive prizes and medals.
Habusta thanked the many sponsors who made this year’s Riverfest possible, which can be found on the Chippewa County Community Foundation Facebook page.
For sign-up and registration information pertaining to Riverfest 2022, visit Chippewa County Community Foundation website.
