The warming tent could be the most popular place Saturday as paddlers come into the finish line during the 58th annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race.
Meteorologists are predicting rain for Saturday, but it has not deterred people from entering the 16.5-mile race, according to coordinator Debbie Gendreau of the Bangor Department of Parks and Recreation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 683 people with 363 canoes and kayaks had registered in one of the 22 classes available to take part in the Bangor area’s iconic springtime race, all trying to be among those who make it successfully through the notorious Six Mile Falls. Gendreau expects about 400 watercraft, which is average.
Final preparations were being made Tuesday, but Gendreau felt very positive after checking the water level of Kenduskeag Stream around noon.
“The stream was awesome. There will be no issues with high tide. People will be able to get under the bridge,” she said.
Some of the college and high school students who participate have registered already. Usually they wait until race day, she said. There are also registrants from all over New England, plus California, Texas, Canada and other countries, and new this year, a registrant from Kentucky.
There were discounts for registering early, but now those who enter the race will pay $75 per entry, which is the same as last year.
“And we’re giving away beanies this year instead of T-shirts,” Gendreau said when asked what’s new for 2025.
Darlings is sponsoring the warming tent, providing snacks, warm liquids and heated space for the racers, who are apt to be quite chilled this year by the weather.
SeaDog Restaurant is providing free chili and chowder to the racers. The awards will be given out there after the race.
Kenduskeag Union Church is providing a space for race organizers to take last-minute reservations, give out the remaining racing packets and other tasks before the start of the race. The church’s members also provide breakfast sandwiches and baked goods for a donation. Proceeds benefit the church.
There also will be scads of volunteers and workers, from rescue personnel to radio communications clubs, plus police for traffic control and fire departments from Bangor and Kenduskeag.
It takes a lot of people to put on an event this size and keep everyone safe, she said.
Check out bangordailynews.com for the livestream of the event on Saturday.
