Quinnipiac Downriver Classic Canoe Race Slated for Sunday, May 16

4/20/1999

The 18th annual Quinnipiac Downriver Classic canoe race will take place on Sunday, May 16th at 11 a.m. Canoeists from throughout the state will compete for medals by completing the five mile course which  winds through Cheshire and Meriden.  Medals and ribbons will be awarded to the top three finishers in thirteen categories, from novice to expert.  All levels are encouraged to race. This year the QRWA is Number Ten  in the New England Downriver Championship Series. Some racers will be competing for series points from this and eleven other races throughout New England.

Registration will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the starting point, which is located on Rte. 322 on the Southington-Cheshire town line.   The fee will be $7.00 per paddler to be paid at the time of registration.  The race finishes at the west end of Hanover Pond (near Red Bridge) in Meriden near the intersection of River Road  (Rte. 70) and Oregon Road.  All participants must have coast guard approved life vests and a whistle, and are invited to a cook-out at the end of the race.  Spectators are encouraged; the race may be viewed from the East Johnson Avenue, Blacks Road, and Cheshire Street Bridges in Cheshire and from the scenic hiking and fishing trail along the Gorge section of the River in Meriden,  west of Hanover Pond.

The QRWA works to conserve and protect the Quinnipiac River and the natural resources of its watershed.   Our “Source to Sound” Quinnipiac  clean-up will take place just before the race. Clean-up crews will be working at many sites during National River Clean-up Week, especially on Saturday, May 16th (watch the newspapers for clean-up locations and times).  We also strive to raise public awareness of the threats to the river and to Long Island Sound from diffuse, "non-point" pollution, including runoff from roads, construction sites, and over-fertilized lawns.  Through the canoe race and other events throughout the year, the QRWA is increasing awareness of the river's potential as a recreational resource.

For more information about the race, please call the QRWA office in Meriden at 203- 237-2237.

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