Chestertown RiverArts has invited paddle clubs from all around the Chesapeake to join in the RiverFest 2016 paddling activities on September 24, and they’re hoping that all our local paddlers will be on the water to welcome them. It will be a fun-filled day on along the waterfront of the picturesque Chester River.
In addition to canoe and kayak sprints and a poker run, there will also be guided Paddle History Tours, at 10 am, and one at 1:30. The sprints include separate heats for different length kayaks and age groups and for tandem kayaks/canoes, with outrageous trophies for winners. A sweep-team of noncompeting paddlers will bring up the rear to provide assistance if needed, and to make sure that no racer finishes last. Races begin at 11pm and paddlers must register in advance. Convenient parking is included along with assistance unloading kayaks.
Race registrants are automatically entered in the Paddlers’ Poker Run with cash prizes. Participating “card sharks” follow a course to five different floating kiosks along the river, from which each paddler takes a sealed envelope containing a playing card. At 3:30 pm, paddlers assemble and open their envelopes all at once to see who drew the winning hand. Players who’d like a second chance will be allowed to purchase additional cards for a shot at the “draw” poker prize.
All registered participants will also receive a guide to the many beautiful paddling routes and public put-ins that grace Maryland’s upper Eastern Shore and can sign up for a guided paddling excursion along Chestertown’s historic waterfront. The excursion will be led by Patrick Nugent of Washington College Center for Society & Environment – the number of participants is limited, so pre-registration is a must. Tours run approximately an hour, one at 10 AM, 1:30 PM.
Registration for the paddle races is $25, the paddle tour and poker run only are $10 each – all registrants will receive the paddlers’ guide. Paddlers can register online at ChestownRiverArts.org. For more information, please visit the website or call RiverArts at 410 778 6300.
But that’s not all — throughout Saturday afternoon Wilmer Park will be alive with activities plus food drink and live music.
At 3PM Washington College Center for Society & Environment will host its tenth annual cardboard boat regatta, a popular event that is part of the college’s Fall Family Weekend. The short, spirited and often soggy race features a variety of clever and whimsical “boats” that occasionally make it to the finish line. This rambunctious crowd-pleaser is as much fun for spectators as for the racers.
Plus there will be lots of fun activities for the whole family. Visitors can peruse engaging displays of arts and crafts by talented artisans as plein air painters capture the festivities on canvas. RiverArts’ popular KidSPOT and Washington College Center for Environment & Society will provide fun activities for youngsters to enjoy, create and explore.
Visitors can also check out what’s new in environmentally friendly paddle crafts and the latest gear. Chester River Kayak Adventures will be showing off their most popular kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The festivities will include rowing demonstrations, paddle board rentals, and exhibitions by featured organizations. Chester River Yacht and Country Club has offered to provide chase boats for the races and plans to hold a regatta on the river for their members.
The fun will continue at the foot of High Street Saturday night as well. From 7 to 10, with a Charlie the Peacock Glow Party, complete with locally made ice cream from Lockbriar Farms for children of all ages, as well as beer and wine.
RiverFest weekend festivities begin the evening before, on Friday, September 23, with the RiverFest 2016 illumination celebration when the Chester River waterfront will come to life with illuminated sculptures. The Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District will be aglow for the evening extravaganza and guests are encouraged to adorn themselves in lights. Glowing bracelets, necklaces and pendants will be available for children (young and old). The sculptures will be illuminated throughout the weekend. RiverFest features new sculptures each year, sponsored and curated by SANDBOX, Washington College’s initiative for creative collaboration between art and science, with a focus on the natural environment.
Friday evening festivities include food, drinks and live music starting at 5:30 pm with the illumination ceremony scheduled for 7:15 pm followed by a lively street dance.
RiverFestRiverFest is a co-production of Chestertown RiverArts, Washington College Center for Environment & Society and SANDBOX, and is sponsored in part by Chesapeake Bank and Trust.
Chestertown RiverArts is a member-supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to engaging our community in the creation, appreciation, and support of the arts. We are a dynamic group of artists, art lovers, and folks who believe the arts enrich us all, both as individuals and as a community. Through programming for children and adults, exhibitions, classes, and more, we strive to excite the creative spark in everyone.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.