This weekend marked the seventh annual Great Canadian Kayak Festival held at the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Park.
This year also incorporates the Ontario 400 Francophone culture celebrations.
Guy Lamarche, Manager of Tourism and one of the event organizers stated: “A significant program was developed in partnership with Ontario 400 a celebration of Francophone Culture. A one-hour Voyageur play is planned for Saturday at 3 p.m., and visitors will have an opportunity to paddle a 15 seat Voyageur Canoe.”
This year also saw many workshops put on by various organizations including Canadian Wildlife Federation, Kevin Callan, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Lamarche also mentioned that they were able to secure an additional 130 parking spots on site to allow ease of access.
On Saturday, a beautiful Sunrise Ceremony was done, along with the blessing of the water by Jake Agonah in the Aboriginal Village exhibit area.
Visitors were able to take part in the ceremony. The Aboriginal Village exhibit area is very welcoming to any who wish to learn more about the Aboriginal culture.
Aboriginal dancers and a speaker were also on hand to perform for the crowd. While the dancers performed, the speaker explained the different reasons for the costumes, and exampled the use of hides, feathers and pitches in the drums and singing.
Kayak races began about 9 a.m. and went over the course of the day until the award ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
There were several divisions which took part in the challenge including the Elite, Elite Recreational, Celebrity, Seniors/Masters Elite, Youth, Novice, and Open challenges.
There were over 96 competitors in total and while the weather didn’t hold out, everyone seemed to have a great time.
Winners of the kayak challenges were awarded late Saturday afternoon at the far stage at the back of the park.
Winners received medals and other prizes.
Winners included Patrick Boily for Male Recreational, Diane Lemire for Female Masters Elite, Joan Locke for Female Masters Recreational, and Rick Issacson for the celebrity challenge; who all placed first in their selected divisions.
Anyone who placed first to fifth place were giving medals and prizes.
Draws were held for donated prizes including Porter Airline tickets, Coffee Warehouse gift cards, massage gift certificates, and more.
The night was closed out by live entertainment and a fireworks display.
(PHOTO: Mayor Steve Black takes a turn in a Kayak on Saturday. Jennifer Massie for TimminsToday)
