Join us for the 22nd Annual Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Float along the Buckhannon River. All proceeds from the event benefit the Buckhannon River Watershed Association's clean water efforts.
Date: Sunday, 19 May 2024
Registration: 10:00 AM @ the Riverwalk Boat Ramp/Wood St. Park
Race Start: Safety briefing starts at 11:45 AM with the race starting at 12:00 (Noon). SPRINT race starts after the others race concludes around 2:00 PM
Course Description: Starting and ending at the Riverwalk Boat Ramp/Wood St. Park, paddlers will travel upstream on the Buckhannon River for 1.9 miles, first passing the Poe St. bridge and then turning around at the Tennerton Bridge. Paddlers will return the same way, paddling downstream to the boat ramp. The total race distance in 3.8 miles.
SPRINT Race: The SPRINT race goes upstream to Poe Bridge, then returns for a total distance of 1.4 miles. The race is geared towards youth/families, but is open to anyone who wants to participate.
Entry Fee: $10.00 (per paddler) due in person during registration/check-in. Cash/check accepted. Kids paddle free!
Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each class (except the non-competitive/fun float)
Requirements: All paddlers must have a life jacket and whistle per WVDNR boating regulations. Anyone 16 years or younger MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET
All participants will receive an event sticker and other door prizes.
Event Organizer: The Buckhannon River Watershed Association (BRWA) is organizing the 2024 event. For over two decades, BRWA has been dedicated to preserving, conserving, and monitoring the health of the Buckhannon River watershed and promoting our West Virginia heritage through public awareness. To learn more, visit our website:
https://buckhannonriver.org/
Event Sponsors: Trubie Run Outfitters & Mountain Lakes Preservation Alliance. Please email us at buckhannonriverwatershed@gmail.com if you're interested in sponsoring!
Event History: The canoe race has been part of the Strawberry Festival for 48 years. For 20+ the Barker family coordinated and organized the event. Jack Barker was an avid canoe paddler on the Buckhannon River and shared his love for paddling and racing with his friends, family, and Buckhannon area. We sincerely thank the Barker family for their legacy in this event!
Questions? Contact:
buckhannonriverwatershed@gmail.com or call (681) 910-2989