Paddle Power!

Posted by – Shawn Keenan, Assistant City Planner

Over 130 paddling enthusiasts participated in the 7^th Annual Paddlepalooza which took place on Saturday, May 30^th.   The river celebration began at Riverside Park in Auburn Hills and finished 8 miles downstream at River Crest Banquet Facility in Rochester Hills.  The City of Auburn Hills co-hosted the event with the City of Rochester Hills in an effort to help promote one of the many recreational opportunities offered in and along the Clinton River.

This year twenty-two men and eleven women participated in the one person kayak race and four teams participated in the two-person canoe race.  The remaining participants took a more leisurely pace down the river to better enjoy the pristine views and wildlife.

We’re happy to report that this year Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel and James Stevens, successfully defended the Mayor’s Cup.  With this win, Auburn Hills has evened the score between the two cities with each city having three wins to their name.

To round out the celebration, participants enjoyed a nice lunch of hotdogs, chips, ice tea/lemonade and ice-cream on the patio of River Crest Banquet Facility.

Winners in the One Person Kayak Race – Men’s Division

1. Ken Rieth (middle) 1:26.07
2. Bob Olsabeck (right) 1:27.10
3. Rick Lawrence (left) 1:27.20

Winners in the One Person Kayak Race – Women’s Division

1. Linda Gamage (middle) 1:35.46
2. Stacey Miller-Serota (left) 1:36.35
3. Gwenn Stevenson (right) 1:39.11

Winners in the Two Person Canoe Race

1. Jeff Orzechowski & Vince Schrand (left) 1:30.13
2. Violet & Dave Fiddes 1:31.47
3. Todd Sand & Don Peterka (right) 1:46.31

Winner of the Mayor’s Challenge Cup

Mayor Kevin McDaniel (center) and James Stevens (center left) – Team Auburn Hills

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

Bass Pro Shops, Moosejaw, Summit Sports, Clinton River Watershed Council, Hubble Roth & Clark, River Crest Banquet Center, Clinton River Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Whole Foods, Tim Horton’s