(Press Release provided by Paddle Antrim)
BELLAIRE: Paddle Antrim is ready to celebrate Northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes at the Paddle Antrim Festival September 15-17. 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.
On Friday, September 16 over 150 paddlers will launch from the Village of Ellsworth’s River Park and paddle up to 15 miles to the Village of Bellaire. On Saturday, they will continue from Bellaire and paddle up to 27 miles to the Village of Elk Rapids. “As this is only our second year doing this event, we are really excited with our numbers,” says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim executive director. “Watching all of the paddlers launching from the sandy beach in Ellsworth together is a pretty amazing sight.”
There will be community events all three days and Paddle Antrim encourages the entire community to come out and participate. The Paddle Antrim Festival starts with the Kick-off Party from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Ellsworth Community Park. There will be great live music from Kellerville as well as opportunities for great food from The Landing’s food truck and delectable desserts Mi Farm Market. The party continues Friday afternoon from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Bellaire’s Richardi Park with music by Kenny T, outdoor games, and community booths for all to enjoy.
The Festival ends at the Final Bash Saturday night 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 p.m. and entry is $5, free for those under 12 and a max of $15 per family. Entry is included in registration for paddlers.
For more information, please visit the website, or email info@paddleantrim.com or call 231-492-0171.
