On July 4th a new event will take place at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park and it should be loads of fun for the whole family.
A kayak, canoe and cardboard boat race along with safety and other demonstrations will begin at 9am at the park clubhouse. There will be number of races including Canoe and Kayak Sprints, Slaloms, Endurance, Log Tow Race and Cardboard Boat Races. There will be 5 age classes for the Canoe and Kayak events and Cardboard Boat races may have a 4 person team and 2 persons must ride in the boat.
The event is free and open to the public as participants and spectators. All events will begin at the clubhouse, leaving the boat access area open to fisherman. Refreshments will be available for sale. Preregistration is recommended and as an incentive, the first 50 to do so will receive a free event t-shirt. All information and the registration forms are available on www.sweetarrowlakepark.com. Registration the day of the event will be from 8 to 8:30am for those not pre-registered.
“The 4th of July has traditionally been a family get-together picnic day and we thought what a great place to get families together plus have a lot of fun than at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park,” said event cochair Brad Fessler. Fessler, an avid outdoorsman and kayaker, volunteered to put together the events when the Sportsmen Advisory Board suggested there should be a fun, water based event at the lake in addition to fishing. ‘We wanted to get kids and their parents involved so many of the canoe events are 2 people with the youngest member indicating the age class entered. We also wanted a fun but competitive event; didn’t want to charge a fee and the winners will have bragging rights. Kind of like the activities and games at a family picnic’, Fessler commented.
The length of the event will be determined by the number of participants but the event will begin about 9am with a water safety and plan of action of activities. Also, there will be a demonstration by the Schuylkill Haven Dive, Rescue and Recovery Team which will also serve as the safety crew.
Spectators are welcome and with the extensive shoreline and dam breast area, viewing the event will also be a blast. Canoe and kayak rentals will be available but supplies are limited. Event participants should bring their own watercraft and personal floatation devices. “Logs will be provided”, quipped Fessler, referring to the log tow race. A log will be attached to the canoe or kayak and paddlers will have to ‘tow’ the log around a course.
The members of the Sportsmen’s Advisory Board are excited to be offering this water based event at Sweet Arrow Lake Park as another family fun filled outing for all to enjoy. And as a reminder, the Pine Grove Community Band will perform their patriotic collection beginning at 6pm.
“We encourage people to come out and enjoy the entire day”, stated Drew Kline, Park Supervisor.
Hotdogs, Hamburgers and drinks will be available and will benefit the Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Association.