A message for
eastern Ontario canoeists and kayakers -
From: The Tay Canal 175th Anniversary Committee -
Come and Join
Us for a Paddle on an Historic River
and help us inaugurate the 175th Anniversary of the Tay Canal
Saturday, May 16, 2009; 10:00am
Beginning at Perth's Last Duel Park
On May 16, you are invited to
join a canoe and kayak flotilla that will launch the 2009 celebrations for this
historic anniversary. This tour will also mark the official opening
ceremony for the upper Rideau and Tay Canals, at the Perth Turning Basin.
This paddle through history promises to be an event to remember.
Launching at Last Duel Park on the edge of Perth, you will paddle the short
distance up the Tay, accompanied by the Voyageur canoes replete with period
costumes. At the Turning Basin, the Canal's 175th year will be launched
as you 'paddle past the Perth Pipers', pose for the official anniversary
photograph, and participate in the official declaration of the opening of the
locks for 2009. The flotilla will then enjoy the first organised tour of
the season down the Tay Canal, returning later for refreshments, music, and
camaraderie - and the anniversary cake - at Last Duel Park.
In addition to touring the canal, you will also have the opportunity to learn
about this pristine canal and Tay Marsh and find out what made this canal's
long, eventful and, at times, scandalous, history so remarkable.
With your help and participation, this will be a celebration appropriate to
this little-known paddling gem and its history.
For details, timing and directions for this event, just let us know of your
interest, by e-mail at [email protected]
or by telephone (613) 264 0094 or 264 9693.
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And for information on the many other events and activities for the Tay Canal 175th Anniversary this summer, visit www.tayriver.org/tay175/events.php.
Thank you for joining the canoe and kayak event of the season on the Tay Canal.
PS: We will have Tay Canal 175 displays at
two locations on April 25th - at Maplefest in Perth and at the Trailhead Spring
Runoff Festival, in Ottawa.
Have you visited
the Tay Canal 175th Anniversary site,
at www.tayriver.org/tay175 ?