NORTH AUGUSTA, SC - The Savannah Riverkeeper will sponsor Paddlefest on August 25, 2007. It is an attempt to bring back the fun and frolic of the old raft races. The new venue will consist of a canoe and kayak race from Savannah Rapids Pavilion to the Riverfront (not Riverwalk) Marina. Homemade rafts will be launched from the North Augusta boat ramp.

Prizes will be awarded to winners in several categories (to be decided) of the canoe and kayak competition. Prizes will also be awarded for the raft competition, but those prizes will be for most original, prettiest, first to sink, first loser (second place), ugliest, simplest, most elaborate, and maybe more.

Registration for the event will be $25/participant. Registrants will be entitled to compete for the prizes, a Paddlefest T-shirt, lunch at the finish line, and a year’s membership in Riverkeeper. To register contact Mike Stacy at marinawarehouse@netzero.com or 706-722-1388. Registration forms will be available online soon.

Riverkeeper is seeking cosponsors for the event. The Augusta Chronicle has already signed on. Other sponsors are welcome. For information on sponsorship contact Butch Holley at butch.holley@youramfcu.org or 706-796-8140. Or download our sponsorship form.