Bellaire, MI – Paddling is becoming an even more popular recreational activity and Paddle Antrim is offering paddlers a great way to get out on the water with the fourth annual Paddle Antrim Festival, September 13-15th. This Festival celebrates Northern Michigan’ waters and communities and highlights the diversity of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
The Paddle Antrim Festival is a fun, non-competitive event where paddlers can enjoy being out on Antrim County’ Chain of Lakes. There are opportunities for all levels of paddlers and can choose one or two days with many distance options available. This Festival includes three days of live music, great food and drinks for both paddlers and the entire community.
This event highlights the wide-range of paddling opportunities that Northern Michigan’ Chain of Lakes provides. The first day begins with a series of small calm lakes which is a must-see, perfect for all paddlers. The second day you can explore up to five lakes and two rivers including the tranquil Grass River Natural Area and the crystal blue waters of larger lakes such as Torch Lake. Paddlers will enjoy the charming communities of Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire, Alden, and Elk Rapids as they make their way down the waterway. To make the weekend stress-free, meals and shuttle service can be added.
‘We are excited to offer a paddling experience for all levels of paddlers to get out on the water’, says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim executive director. ‘This is a great opportunity to highlight the different types of paddling the Chain of Lakes Water Trail offers and have the entire region come together to celebrate the remarkable waterways and region we live in.’
Beyond great paddling, the weekend kicks off Thursday night with live music and food available for the entire community. The Festival ends with a bang at the Final Bash Saturday night in Elk Rapids hosted by the Festival’ top sponsor, Short’ Brewing Company. This all-ages party is for paddlers and the entire community to come out and enjoy live music and great food and drinks. Short’ Brewing Company and sponsor Pearl’ New Orleans Kitchen, will be there serving up the most amazing food and finest brews for all to enjoy.
The Paddle Antrim Festival not only encourages folks to get out and enjoy the lakes and rivers but supports Paddle Antrim’ mission to protect the waterway by focusing on stewardship, education, and increasing access through development of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.
For additional information on Paddle Antrim, the Chain of Lakes Water Trail or Paddle Antrim Festival, go online http://www.paddleantrim.com or contact Paddle Antrim at info@paddleantrim.com or 231-492-0171.
About Paddle Antrim
Paddle Antrim is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to protect our water resources by using paddle sports to connect people to our waterways. Through stewardship, education, improved water trail access, and promotion of our waterways we will increase water resources protection and enhance the economic vitality of the region.
