Paddle Antrim is ready to celebrate Northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes at the Paddle Antrim Festival September 15-17th. This event is highlighted by a two-day kayak paddle through Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes and includes community events all weekend long for the entire community.
This non-competitive kayak event offers paddlers the option to paddle one or two days, September 16-17th, and go anywhere from 7 miles to 42 miles through four quaint villages with many exit points along the route. This event includes lunch every day for the paddlers as they make their way from Ellsworth to Elk Rapids, where the water enters East Grand Traverse Bay. To make the event stress-free, shuttle service can be added at time of registration. Registration for the paddling event closes September 8th.
In addition to the paddle, the local communities come together to host events open to the entire community each day along the route. Thursday September 15th, the event starts off with the Kick-off Party from 5:30-8:00 pm at the Ellsworth Community Park. There will be great live music from Kellerville as well as opportunities for great food and delectable desserts. The party continues Friday afternoon from 1:30-4:30 in Bellaire’s Richardi Park with music by Kenny T, outdoor games, and community booths for all to enjoy.
The Festival ends Saturday night with a bang at the Final Bash held at Short’s Brewing Company’s Production Facility (211 Industrial Park Dr. Elk Rapids). This family friendly event features great food by Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen, brews from Short’s Brewing Company, and live music by Valentiger. There will be outdoor games for everyone to enjoy. The Final Bash is from 3:00-9:00 pm and entry is $5, free for those under 12 and a max of $15 per family. Entry is included in registration for paddlers.
The Paddle Antrim Festival not only encourages folks to get out and celebrate but also raises money for the protection of the waterways and increasing accessibility to the waterways for all. Paddle Antrim is a non-profit organization and uses a portion of the money raised to providing grants for projects focused on water resources education, stewardship, and increasing access to the water for everyone.
“We are looking forward to another great time both on and off the water to celebrate these amazing waters with the paddlers and the communities. We appreciate the great support we have the local communities, sponsors, and paddlers for our mission and this unique paddling event,” said Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim executive director. “We especially thank our top two sponsors Short’s Brewing Company and Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen for all their support. We look forward to celebrating the pristine waters and enjoying a wonderful paddle and local hospitality.”
For registration or additional information, please go online at https://www.paddleantrim.com, email info@paddleantrim.com or call 231-492-0171.