By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Robins are out. The sun is peeking through gray skies and the ice is breaking out of the rivers, streams and lakes. And, most everyone knows it is time for paddlers to challenge the waters. The Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race has been a rite of passage into spring since taking center stage during Ricker College days when students wanted to shake off the long winter blues.
Over the years, the annual race was held at the end of April with weather very unpredictable and water levels erratic ranging from boats scraping the bottom of the riverbed to high, raging waters. The weather varied from snow flurries and frigid temperatures to paddlers nearly sunbathing as the warmth of the sun broke through blue skies.
The water has been low. The water has been high. The water has been slow. The water has been swift. What type of ride will paddlers have this year? In the belly of Devil’s Elbow to class I and II whitewater rapids, the river keeps its secret until race day, which is Saturday, May 2.
Paddlers can pre-register at 8 a.m. with a safety briefing being held at 9:30 a.m. at the Wellington residence on the Station Road in New Limerick. The eight-mile race starts at 10 a.m.
“We will be finishing the race at the walking bridge,” said Jane Torres, executive director of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce. “The community is invited to the awards ceremony, which will be at Riverfront Park, if the weather cooperates.”
Race Master Peter Blood will be mentoring the chamber board again this year.
“It has been a hard spring,” said Blood. “Many races have been pushed back due to the weather.”
Kenduskeag, Piscataquis, Souadabscook, Passagassawaukeag and St. George races all have changed from their original dates. The Meduxnekeag race is right on schedule.
“We expect our race to appeal mostly to families,” said Torres. “We don’t foresee any problems.”
Last year, there were 62 boats and 94 paddlers on the river.
Blood, who has organized and competed in the local spring race, is calling paddlers to enter numerous divisions, especially those for the Law Enforcement Division, which has waned in participants the last few years.
“The winner of this division is awarded the Emmanuel “Manny” Aucoin trophy. The award is named after Aucoin, a constable for the New Brunswick Highway Patrol, who was shot and killed on March 8, 1987. He was 31.
A motorist, who had been stopped for speeding, shot and killed Aucoin while the constable was seated in his cruiser completing a traffic ticket. The suspect fled to Maine and then flew to Massachusetts where members of the Massachusetts State Police arrested him at Logan International Airport after he exited an aircraft. The suspect was returned to New Brunswick, where he was tried and convicted of first-degree murder.
For five straight years, Ron Muir of the Maine Marine Patrol, partnered with D.W. Smith for the crown. Others winning the award multiple times with respective partners were Smith, Ben Drew, formerly a Maine Game Warden, now a Houlton Police officer; Aaron Cross, game warden; Frank and Aaron Bell, custom and border patrol, with Jerry Hammond and Tom Horton being the last winners, capturing back-to-back division titles in 2012-13.
Blood would like to see a resurgence for this class.
As the race begins, paddlers will travel through calm waters to Green Pond where a crew manned by the Hodgdon Volunteer Fire Department will be positioned. As paddlers move on, they reach the tricky maneuvering of Devil’s Elbow — plenty of rocky areas and fast-moving waters that potentially cause upsets — behind Tate and Lyle. At this point, members of the Hodgdon Volunteer Fire Department will be monitoring the river, as well.
“You do not have to be in the race to enjoy the race,” Torres said. “There are many points along the river that offer prime viewing. Bring a chair and enjoy the day.”
Cost of entering the race is $15, but the experience of a Houlton spring tradition is priceless. Each participant will also receive a T-shirt with the event logo and after the race, they are treated to refreshments. Guests of the racers may purchase a lunch at a nominal fee.
Proceeds of the race will help in support of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce activities. For more information or to pre-register, call Torres at 532-4216 or 694-3414.
