By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Thanks to an injection of new blood, and a little help from some old blood, this year’s annual Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race will return this spring.
Organized by the Houlton-Hodgdon Dollars For Scholars for more years than most can remember, this year the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce has stepped in to keep the boating tradition alive and well in southern Aroostook County.
An anonymous benefactor of the canoe race approached the Chamber to see if they would be interested in taking over the race.
“The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told me they were thinking of not having it this year,” said Jane Torres, executive director for the Chamber. “Rather than see a race that has been around since the Ricker College days go by the wayside, we decided to take it on. We are very lucky to be able to do this.”
This year’s race will be held Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at the home of Linwood and Julia Wellington on the Station Road in New Limerick. Registration takes place from 8-9:30 a.m. for those who have not pre-registered. A race briefing follows at 9:30 a.m.
Long-time canoe aficionado Peter Blood of Houlton will assist Torres with the race particulars.
“Peter has agreed to help out and we are pretty much going with the same things they have had in the past,” Torres said. “That way we can get our feet wet, so to speak.”
Torres admitted she has never participated in the canoe race.
“I am going to stick with organizing,” she laughed. “I am one of those people that if you tell me to paddle left, I paddle right.”
A portion of the proceeds will once again go to Dollars for Scholars, with the remaining funds going to the Chamber to be used for other events.
A part of the 2013 Maine Downriver Championship Series Point Race, the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race awards points to canoeists and kayakers who finish the event, but for many, the event is more of a recreational opportunity and an annual rite of spring.
As races go, the Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race falls near the beginning of the state’s canoe race schedule. The St. George River Race typically kicks off the local racing series. That event is slated for March 30 in Searsmont.
Paddlers from around the state and Canada, touting canoes and kayaks of all sizes, typically participate in the race. The Meduxnekeag River got its name from Maliseet Indians in the area. Its name means “rocks at its mouth.” The river is 35 miles long and flows east from Drews Lake to Woodstock, N.B. where it enters the St. John River.
In the beginning, the canoe race was a chance for daring college students at Ricker College to let off some steam before final exams and the end of the school year. A party-oriented event, students often cared less about their finishing time or who won the race.
At some point in time, the Houlton Rotary Club took over the race and turned it into a more mature event. Elwood Scott, a former principal at Houlton High School, was heavily involved in the race’s organization for a number of years. The event now serves as a memorial to Scott.
Over the years, the race has started at different locations, depending on the water levels. Traditionally, the race begins at Wellington’s home in New Limerick, but when high water conditions exist, the course moves downstream somewhat since there are a couple of bridges that are difficult for boats to maneuver under.
At the finish line, located at the Highland Avenue bridge boat launch, refreshments such as hot dogs, chips and sodas, typically await the tired, hungry and sometimes wet paddlers.
The race offers a variety of classes for the competitive paddlers, but also has a fair share of novices participating. Awards are presented in multiple categories during a ceremony held at Houlton High School Rescue personnel donate their time to assist with patrolling the river, ready to help when needed.
The cost to register is $15 per paddler or $10 for students (18 years of age and younger). Those that register early will receive a race T-shirt. For more information, or to signup, contact Torres at 532-4216 or e-mail Torres at director@greaterhoulton.com.
