Paula Lunt & the Moose at the Moose River Canoe Race

The race started back in 1995 as a memorial to the late Fred Reckards. Fred was a great craftsman and outdoorsman. His cedar rib and plank canoes were made completely by hand in his shop on the Moose River. Fred made the canoes from 1970 to shortly before his death in 1994. He is greatly missed and on this day, we honor his life as a canoe enthusiast and a beloved resident of Rockwood.

Registration for the race begins at 9:00am at the Rockwood Community Building on Route 15 in Rockwood. Registration will go from 9:00am to 10:00am but pre-registration is highly recommended because new this year, there will be a post-race lunch for those pre-registered or while supplies last.

Stepping up to help out this year is Paula Jean Lunt of Tenants Harbor. Paula has no connections to the Moosehead area or the Reckards family, but decided to come on board as race director because of her pure love of paddling. Paula is the Past President of MaCKRO, Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization and current VP of the club.

“There have been so many great races that have fallen by the wayside, and I didn't want to see that happen to this one. When the Reckard's family told me they just didn't have time to put the race on this year, I volunteered on the spot. They have always done a top-notch job and if they need an extra hand this year, than here I am. I have done this race many times and it is fun, plain and simple. It's short enough (7.5-miles) to be doable by all, but has a short portage to give you a slight challenge (keep your eyes open on the portage, you might just see a moose). It's a race that people of all abilities can accomplish and feel good about”.

To encourage the younger generations to get out and paddle, there are divisions for high school and college. College students will like the scholarship being offered this year. $300 will go to the fastest college C1 or K1 or $150 per paddler to the fastest C2 college boat or K2 college boat.

Awards will be made in several divisions three places back and all those racing will have a chance to win some great door prizes donated by many local businesses.

Paula Jean Lunt can be reached at lunt@mackro.org or by calling 372-8195.

I look forward to hearing from you all soon.