Report from the 2023 Rideau Paddlefest

On Saturday, June 17th, seven members from the Northern Lakes Chapter participated in the annual Rideau Paddlefest, taking place in Smiths Falls, Ontario. The event was hosted by the Rideau Roundtable  which focuses on the environmental, historical and cultural significance of the Rideau Canal Waterway and its respective watershed. 

The weather was overcast with aggressive onshore winds, but the rain held off for a relatively pleasant day by the water. The Chapter's exhibit booth showcased four distinct styles of wood-canvas canoes along with variety of historic paddle designs. 

Plenty of folks with lots of questions stopped by for a chat and to check out the display.

Chapter Member Al Witham also demonstrated some paddle making with the some members of the crowd trying their hand at carving on his custom designed shaving bench.

On the water, a series of  Voyageur Canoe Races were held with multiple teams competing providing some visual entertainment on the river.

Neil Burrell brought along a recently acquired "Huron" canoe along with some presentation material documenting the unique identifying characteristics of its construction. The canvas hull has a decal  with an aged Sears logo that is faintly visible under a coat of thin red paint revealing this canoe was once marketed by the famous department store.

Organisers of the event have already confirmed the date of next years Paddlefest as June 15, 2024. Below are Chapter members Pat Witham, Neil Burrell, Lee Benson, and Chapter Head, Alex Guthro posing in front of Alex's custom-built 14 footer.