Mid-American Canoe, Kayak race a thrill for both paddlers, spectators
The Fox River is a shimmering centerpiece that bisects dozens of communities, a glistening ribbon of water flowing 185 miles from Menomonee Falls, Wi., to the Illinois River near Ottawa.
Thousands of us share the shores of this precious resource, reveling in her natural beauty and the recreational opportunities she provides.
Those who have taken a canoe or kayak onto this treasured water way have an even deeper relationship. It lends an entirely different perspective. Plying her waters amid the serenity of woods and wildlife creates a greater appreciation for just how valuable this gem really is.
Like an old friend who's taken for granted, the Fox is always there. Since 1961, it's hosted a festive fleet of boats each spring for the annual Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race. It features hundreds and hundreds of paddlers, and the faithful river is always ready to accommodate them.
More than 40,000 boats have glided down the Fox in that time, and suffice to say, each paddler remembers the experience. It's one of those long-lasting impressions earmarked for the "special memories" section in our heads.
When the 48th annual Mid-Am is run June 7, it will combine tradition with a new twist. For the first time ever, two race lengths will be featured - a 10-mile race from St. Charles and a 6-miler from Batavia - both finishing at the Illinois Avenue bridge in Aurora.
The long and the short of it is this - offering alternative distances provides an equitable balance for competitive racers and first-time families alike. It blends the best of both worlds, combining the challenging elements of a full-scale race and an easygoing introduction for those new to paddling.
"Involving paddlers of all abilities makes a great event even better," said race co-director Matt Saviello. "We have dads and daughters and old college roommates in the field. Even some grandparents - we call them masters - have signed up to try the Mid-Am for the first time."
Bridge construction in Batavia forced last year's race to be shortened and moved to the fall. With that out of the way, Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles will be the starting point once again. But the popularity of last year's race - which began at the Batavia VFW - led organizers to keep it as an alternative.
Expect the action along the banks to be every bit as exciting as that on the river. From St. Charles to Geneva to Batavia to North Aurora to Aurora, community festivities make the race memorable - barbecues, parties, cheering sections. The crowds are revelers and volunteers and, in many cases, both.
With spectators lining both sides of the river, some like to call this the Tour de Fox, albeit with more elbow room than that famous bicycle race in France.
Even so, this event is so much more than a race. Paddling through the river's many channels and islands, riding her energetic current, viewing herons and wood ducks - and perhaps glimpsing an eagle - bring new definition to the term competitive nature.
And there's plenty of opportunity to celebrate afterward. When the race ends, the action will continue with an outdoor party and awards ceremony at the finish area in McCullough Park.
The post-race festivities will include lunch catered by Jimmy John's, entertainment, beer tent, kids' games, boat demos and a county fair-like lineup of local vendors and merchants.
Each registered racer receives a commemorative race T-shirt and goody bag afterward as well. Professional photographs will be available, too. Not that you'll need help remembering this truly special event, but there's nothing like a picturesque keepsake to complement the memory.
To register for the Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
• Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net.