Media contacts:
Kyle Scislowicz, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6726; kscislowicz@auburnhills.org
Maria Willett, City of Rochester Hills, 248.841.2545; willettm@rochesterhills.org 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 

PADDLEPALOOZA 2017, ANNUAL RACE AND ADVENTURE RIVER PADDLE ON CLINTON RIVER FROM AUBURN HILLS TO ROCHESTER HILLS, SET FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 3 

Collaborating cities invite kayakers and canoeists to participate in friendly competition 

Auburn Hills, MI—May 8, 2017—The City of Auburn Hills is partnering with the City of Rochester Hills on Paddlepalooza 2017, an annual canoe/kayak race and adventure river paddle down the Clinton River on Saturday, June 3. Participants will launch their watercraft at 8:30 a.m. from the banks of Riverside Park (corner of Auburn and Squirrel Roads in downtown Auburn Hills) and finish at River Crest Banquet Center (900 West Avon Road in Rochester Hills). 

In 2009, the Mayor’s Cup award was added to encourage some friendly competition between the two cities.

“After winning the Mayor's Cup title three years in a row, Team Auburn Hills is excited to paddle down the Clinton River and go for number four.  It is always a nice friendly competition with our great friends and neighbors in Rochester Hills,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “This event has become one of my favorite of the summer; there is no better way to experience this great natural resource, than by participating in Paddlepalooza.” 

 Rochester Hills is pleased to partner with Auburn Hills on this action-packed event.

"This summertime tradition has become one of my favorites! It’s easy, fun, and highlights the beauty of the Clinton River,” states Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. “We let Mayor McDaniel have the last win. I look forward to kicking it into high gear and taking back that first place trophy.”  

The 2017 event offers three paddling activities to choose from: an eight-mile single person kayak race; an eight-mile, two-person canoe race to River Crest; or an eight-mile adventure river paddle. The races and river paddle all conclude near the patio at the River Crest Banquet Center overlooking the river where lunch will be served and awards presented from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each race class, and participants will receive lunch and an event shirt.

“Paddlepalooza is a high energy event that keeps people coming back,” said Brian Marzolf, Auburn Hills Parks & Recreation Director. “The Clinton River adds to the sense of community by connecting our two cities and neighborhoods, and improves the quality of life for residents and visitors.”

The registration fee is $20, and participants are strongly encouraged to pre-register. The event is not recommended for beginner paddlers because the river can be considered a difficult Class III rating at certain times of the year. Participants must be at least 12 years of age and all paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal flotation devices are required.  The rain date is June 18. 

Event rules, as well as details about what to wear, canoe and kayak rentals, parking and shuttle service, and registration and waiver forms, are available at www.auburnhills.org, www.rochesterhills.org or by calling the Auburn Hills Parks & Recreation Department at 248-370-9353.

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