Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wabash Heritage Paddlefest returns for second year
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Historic New Harmony will present the second annual Wabash Heritage Paddlefest on Saturday, August 5. The day-long event will include a 9.7 mile canoe float at 10 a.m., beginning in Grayville, Illinois, and ending in New Harmony, with special events for the entire family throughout the day in both communities. Nearly 300 canoe and kayak enthusiasts participated in last year’s inaugural event. Organizers expect an even larger crowd on the river this year. “This event gives us the opportunity to highlight the natural beauty of the area while introducing visitors to the history of the Wabash River and its importance to New Harmony,” said Jan Kahle, education coordinator for Historic New Harmony. “The river was the lifeline to the rest of the world for both the Harmonists and Owen/Maclure communities.” This year’s event will feature a symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony opening the Wabash Heritage Corridor, celebrating the importance of Indiana’s most famous river. Occupying the heartland of the state, the river drains two-thirds of the 92 counties in the state as it flows 475 miles to its confluence with the Ohio just south of Mt. Vernon. In addition to the popular canoe float, Grayville will offer a pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Grayville Lions Club, and other activities. After arriving in New Harmony, participants will enjoy food catered by the Red Geranium Restaurant, games and events for the entire family, historic demonstrations, and much more. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in New Harmony. Transportation between New Harmony and Grayville will be offered free of charge. Participants are welcome to use their own canoes or kayaks and additional canoes are available for rent. Quick-start classes will be available for novices. For the second year, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana is the presenting sponsor for the Wabash Heritage Paddlefest. Online registration, information on sponsors, canoe rental, lodging partners, and day-of-event logistics can be found at www.usi.edu/paddlefest. Historic New Harmony is a unified program of the University of Southern Indiana and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. |
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