'Great Brant Lake Canoe Race' expands its scope

HORICON | In its third year of revival since the Watergate era, the Great Brant Lake Canoe race hosted enthusiastic paddlers of all ages Aug. 13, including one or two who had paddled the course while Elvis was alive. This year, the event hosted a robust crowd of spectators, as it featured its first-ever race for children — as well as live music, food, and canoe demonstrations along the shoreline. "We had a lot of new people attending, many from a greater distance, race director Matt Strickland said. "The weather was perfect — the temperatures were in the 50s when the race started, there was low wind, and the sun was out." The event featured a wide variety of people-powered watercraft, including stand-up paddleboards and kayaks as well as canoes. This year's six-mile race course reverted back to the original mid-1970s route when the event was dominated by young area camp employees seeking to prove their paddling prowess. This traditional course includes a 225-foot portage from Brant Lake to the Mill Pond. For one canoeing competitor, that portage posed a problem. In jumping back into the canoe for the final stretch of the race, the canoe flipped and the paddler plunged into the water, but recovered quickly, Strickland said. "The mishap was a mixture of adrenaline and a quest for glory," he said. According to reports, several competitors paddled in the race nearly 50 years ago — the individuals were believed to be in their late 60s or early 70s. During the time span of an hour or so while paddlers reached the finish line, spectators and canoeists heard live acoustic music, Americana Roots style, of John Coleman's vocals backed up by his guitar. Meanwhile, the staff and scouts of Camp Read provided food for racers and spectators, and watercraft by Adirondack Canoe Co./Essex industries, Hornbeck Boats, and Mac's Canoe Livery were demonstrated, on display, or utilized for demo rides. Also represented onshore at the race were personnel from both the New York State Parks and Recreation office, as well as the Brant Lake Association and the Town of Horicon. Of the latter entity, Stickland said he was grateful for their support of the annual race. "The town is our true partner, particularly in our continued growth and expansion."

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'Great Brant Lake Canoe Race' expands its scope

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