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The H. Lee White Maritime Museum will host the eighth Oswego Paddlefest Saturday, July 17.
Kayakers, canoeists and stand-up paddle boarders are encouraged to enjoy and appreciate the unique beauty of the historic Oswego River Canal by “locking through” four canal locks.
The 2021 event is sponsored by Oswego Health, a non-profit health care system established in 1881 and serving communities across Oswego County.
Again this year, paddlers will be able to launch from points in Fulton or Minetto. Both courses will end at the City of Oswego’s newly-renovated Wright’s Landing launch on Lake Street in Oswego.
The long course, geared for experienced paddlers, is approximately 13 miles and launches from Indian Point Park on NYS Rte. 481 in Fulton. Paddlers will launch for the long course between 8:30 and 10 a.m. July 17.
The short course is approximately 5.5 miles and launches from Minetto Riverview Park on NYS Rte. 48 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
The full paddle trip can be up to six hours or more. Paddlers are asked to arrive at their preferred site 30 minutes ahead of launch time.
Kayakers, canoeists, and stand-up paddle boarders are all welcome to participate. Minors aged 4 to 11 years of age must be the passenger of an adult. For everyone's safety, this event is recommended for paddlers ages 12 and older.
Life jackets and whistles are required. Paddle boarders are welcome, but a leash is mandatory. Alcohol is discouraged, and pets are not allowed at this event.
There is a limit of 300 paddlers. Early registration is $25 and lasts until July 10. Regular registration is $35 and runs from July 11 to July 15.
Paddlers may register online at www.hlwmm.org or register on-site the morning of the event using cash or check only.
Advanced check-in will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 16 at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, 1 W. First St. Pier, Oswego. The first 100 people to check-in Friday will receive a goody bag.
For more information about Paddlefest and other activities, visit the H. Lee White Maritime Museum's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hlwmm or website at www.hlwmm.org.
Paddlefest qualifies for the Erie Canalway Challenge. For information on how to participate by logging miles along the canal, go to www.canalwaychallenge.org.
For area accommodations and visitor information, go to www.visitoswegocounty.com or call 1-800-248-4FUN (4386).
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. The health care system employs more than 1,200 people and includes the 164-bed Oswego Hospital; a 32-bed psychiatric acute care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations; The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility; Springside at Seneca Hill, a 57-unit retirement community; and Oswego Health Home Care certified home health care agency. For more information visit www.oswegohealth.org.
