Poll - potential for new regional canoe event

[Sir Adam]

After having gone to many great festivals, knowing how hard it can be to find good water to paddle in August, and knowing of some potential changes taking place that would guarantee class III water for a summer event (and class IV if folks didn't mind a longer day), I've been giving some thought to trying to put together an event for 2014. The idea of a summer upstate NY fest wasn't mine, and having talked about it with a few folks there seems to be interest, including at least one of the canoe manufacturers (and I would hope the others would join us!). My thought is to have a fest with clinics and a few different runs over a long weekend.

I hope to approach some local groups that might be able to actually really sponsor such a gathering and help with logistics and such.

BUT, first I want to get an idea if there is any interest.

To me the area lends itself well to such an event - multiple rivers to paddle within 45 min of each other (dam release), in addition to numerous other runs if it were to actually rain. PLUS lots of things for the remainder of the family - hiking, horseback riding, flatwater, mountain biking, ropes course, paintball, etc... are all in the immediate area. Oh, and camping, plus other types of lodging too.

Sooo... on to the poll...

[2opnboat1]

Count me in I love the idea my wife has fam in NY I could kill to birds with one trip

[Craig Smerda]

Yankee-Fest



Where's Mark?

[Shep]

Still trying to finish up my schooling this year, but hopefully by spring 2014, we will be moving back to Vermont. I would definitely try to attend an event in NY in the late summer.

[RodeoClown]

Count me in.

[Sir Adam]

Thank you for all the solid responses - and keep them coming! I'm hoping to be able to go to the local chamber with some basic numbers, knowing we'll likely have more if and when we can be more specific.

It would be GREAT to have representatives from the current boat builders - and it looks like we're off to a good start on that one:)

[markzak]

Absolutely! First or second weekend in August would be my suggestion.

With the Gooley Club and OK slip land acquisition, it would be great to bring some paddling attention for the Hudson River Gorge and show the State of NY how much we appreciate that slice of heaven. I always feel bad that the derby isn't a bigger event, but its a tough time of a year. An August festival in NY is perfect. Let me know if I can help.

[PAC]

What time in August? I smell a road trip!

[Kelly-Rand]

It's been so long.
I'd love to come up and bring the family. Well the family is out of the coup so it will probably be me and the wife, but, I have a grandson on the way so maybe in a few years it will be family again.

[old and in the way]

I love the ideer, but August is a tough month for this house with the Riversport Slalom usually the third weekend (and the requisite 4-5 days away from home it takes to pull that race off).

[Stingray]

Count me in, The NY Governor is pushing for more opportunities in northern NY that tourist can enjoy, I'll bet his office could help a club or some other entity get this going. I'll bet the Adirondack Watershed Alliance or Central Adirondack Association, and the NY DEC could all step up to recruit whatever you may need, releases, camp grounds, etcc....

Northern NY is a great place to go.