By Rob Potter
CALLICOON — The weather forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-80s this Sunday when dozens of canoe and kayak racers will be making their way to Callicoon to compete in the 13th annual Callicoon Canoe Regatta.
The race begins at 11 a.m. at Lander’s River Trips in Callicoon. The competitors will quickly make their way to Skinners Falls, a distance of 7.5 miles down the scenic Delaware River.
Spectators are welcome to watch the start of the race from the Callicoon Bridge at 11 a.m. and the finish at 12:15 p.m. from Lander’s Campgrounds at Skinners Falls.
The check-in time is 9 a.m. The entry fees are $20 per person, $30 per team for the Adult/Youth Class and $20 per team in the High School Challenge.
“We are looking for a good day on Sunday,” said Race Director Tom Freda. “All proceeds from the race go to the Delaware Youth Center.”
Last year’s regatta raised a total of $3,200 for the youth center.
The first 50 registrants receive a free T-shirt and the top three place winners in every class receive medals. Winners also get hats.
Lunch can be purchased at Lander’s Snack Bar.
The classes for the event include Lander’s River Trips Rental Classes, Recreational Classes, Stock Class and Racing Classes.
There is a $30 race day special canoe/kayak rental at Lander’s River Trips. For more information, please call 252-3925.
In addition to the awards presented at a ceremony immediately following the race, there will be a kayak raffle and other prizes.
“You don’t have to be present to win the kayak,” Freda said.
Raffle tickets for the kayak are available at Matthew J. Freda Real Estate on Main Street in Callicoon.
For more information about the Callicoon Canoe Regatta or to register, please call Tom Freda at 887-5640 or e-mail tom@fredarealty.com or visit www.callicooncanoeregatta.com.