The rain held off for the 49th Annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, so I stayed dry. However, the boaters didn't stay as dry with high water and rough rapids.

More than 300 water craft took on the Kenduskeag Stream in the 49th annual race stretching 16.5 miles. People from all walks of life took on the fast churning water in canoes, kayaks, and even inflatable surfboards. I was at the last big rapid set called "The Shopping Cart" where many professionals and amateurs quickly sank or over turned making the race very entertaining! A large crowd sat on the banks acting as cheerleaders and assisting in grabbing the yard sale of items dumped out of the boats.

Thanks and appreciation go to the rescue personnel who assisted with turning boats back over and pulling people to shore.

My favorite parts of the race every year are the crazy outfits some people wear to get noticed along with the annual Gumby boat and the Kenduskeag's yearly staple Zip Kellogg, the standing man in white, with red roses on the bow.

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