Canoeists, kayakers to float Chicago River on New Year's Day

Hundreds of people are expected to go canoeing and kayaking on the Chicago River this coming New Year's holiday.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County says participants in the annual event will starts near the Skokie Lagoons and finish in Linne Woods, paddling past wildlife like deer, coyote and birds. The district says the mass kayak and canoe event is a 26-year tradition. It is set for Saturday, New Year's Day.

Officials say the event is a unique say to see urban wilderness during the winter. The district gets help from the Paddler's Patrol of the Illinois Paddling Council and the Prairie State Canoeists.

The paddle should take between two and three hours.