Sat 7/19 @ 7AM

Cleveland’s river is one of its natural assets, especially since it’s been cleaned and upgraded since its infamous “Burning River” Days when copious pollution ignited it and no one in their right mind would use it for recreation.

That has certainly changed, and recreational rowing, kayaking and paddleboarding has become huge in this area. The seventh annual Blazing Rivers Paddlefest tips its hat to the past with its name, and then looks forward to the Cuyahoga River’s better days. Launching from the Nautica Boardwalk area, paddlers are invited to register to take either a leisurely journey to enjoy the scenery (this one is open to canoes, kayaks or anything else you can paddle) or a competitive race on the waterfront. Both races have different distances you can sign up for. The river will be reserved exclusively for paddlers for 4 ½ hours on the morning of Saturday July 19.

Because of the move from its previous location, the Music Box Supper Club is the event’s hospitality partner this year, where paddlers, racers and supporters their supporters can enjoy some free reggae music and enjoy some Caribbean-style food.

There’s a pre-paddle expo and early registration at the Lady Caroline Cruise Ship on Friday evening. Go here for more information and to pre-register.