Sun 9/15 @ 6AM-3PM
The annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest, now in its sixth year, fills the Cuyahoga River with a riot of colorful kayaks and other small people-powered vessels. Last year, 725 paddlers from 18 states took part in the event, which includes several races of different lengths as well as a scenic recreational paddle of almost ten miles. It calls attention to the revival of the river as a recreational resource, rather than an industrial dumping ground, on the anniversary of the legendary June 22, 1069 fire on the river.
Even if you’re not a paddler, it makes for a great day of hanging out riverside and watching paddlers depart from the Cleveland Rowing Foundation/Merwin’s Wharf Docks, and Merwin’s Wharf is the ideal place to enjoy food and drink while watching others exert themselves. The event was originally scheduled for June 22 and postponed; due to the postponement, there will be no day-before check-in or boat/board drop-off. Anyone who pre-registered for June and has made no changes in their registration was automatically rolled over to this date. Others can still register through September 14 here.
The event is sponsored by the nonprofit Share the River, which promotes a multi-use waterfront in Cleveland.
sharetheriver.com/blazing-paddles
Cleveland, OH 44113