Description

Paddle Antrim will present the first Paddle Antrim Festival on September 18 and 19. The Paddle Antrim Festival includes a two-day kayak paddle through northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes.

The first day begins in Ellsworth continuing through Central Lake to Bellaire, meandering through numerous small lakes. The second day will continue from Bellaire, ending in Elk Rapids, passing through Torch Lake, Michigan’s longest inland lake. This 40-plus mile paddle event highlights the wonderful natural resources-based activities available in northern Michigan. Along the route, local communities including Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids will host other events, illustrating what wonderful opportunities the communities have to offer.

“The communities along the Chain of Lakes Water Trail are very excited and honored to be able to showcase their many amenities and attractions for participants and their guests of the Paddle Antrim event,” says Mary Faculak, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce President. “It is the wish of the many individuals, businesses, clubs and organizations involved with this new event and organization that many new paddlers will be introduced to our area and that they will continue to utilize this spectacular water trail for years to come. The event and organization is a tremendous economic boost for the entire Chain of Lakes and surrounding communities. I see it only growing and quickly becoming one of Antrim County’s signature events.”

Short’s Brewing Company has agreed to be a major sponsor of the Paddle Antrim Festival. The festival will conclude with a celebration at Short’s Brewing Company’s production facility in Elk Rapids. For five years, Short’s hosted a similar paddle from Bellaire to Elk Rapids known as the Short’s to Short’s Paddle. Short’s COO Matt Drake stated, “Short’s is proud to support the Paddle Antrim Festival. Though it became impractical for us to continue to hold a major paddling event, we were thrilled that our community rallied behind the concept and that it will live on by supporting Paddle Antrim’s effort to bring awareness to the waterways in northern Michigan.”

More information on Paddle Antrim and the Festival is available at www.paddleantrim.com.