Kayaking for Kids returns Saturday, Aug. 7

A local boating race that has generated thousands of dollars to help local schools and children’s programs in recent years is returning Saturday.

The Fifth Annual Kayaking for Kids race will take place on Aug. 7. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the race will begin at 10 a.m.

The registration fee for the race is $30.

Amber Owens, an event organizer, said Tuesday that so far about 60 people have pre-registered for the race and have already filled out their entry forms.

There are another 50 or so sponsor spots for the race where forms haven’t been completed yet.

This year there will be no kayak rentals available on the day of the race, Owens noted.

Sheltowee Trace has kayaks available for rent that people can reserve for the race Saturday. To rent a kayak for the race contact Sheltowee Trace at (606) 526-7238. Kayaks rental generally range from $20 – $30.

The 2.5 mile race, which includes both kayakers and jon boats, starts at the Ballard Ford East river access point, off Ballard Ford East Road, and the finish line is at the Redbird Bridge. Participants exit the water at the boat ramp adjacent to the trash gate.

Participants should bring their kayaks to Ballard Ford and then park their vehicle at Redbird.  A shuttle will be provided between Ballard Ford and Redbird before the race.

At the finish line, there will be a homemade BBQ lunch provided by Brandon Prewitt’s BBQ.

Also, there will be several door prizes, and prizes for first, second and third place finishers.

Due largely to the pandemic, participation for the race was down last year with only about 70 participants taking part. Fundraising remained good last year with over $15,000 being raised.

By comparison in 2019 there were over 150 participants and 99 boats took part.

Race proceeds benefit the kids activities in Whitley County, and the family resource centers at local elementary schools in Corbin, Williamsburg and Whitley County.

Race sponsors include: Forcht Bank, Whitley County Fiscal Court, Whitley County Tourism, the City of Williamsburg, Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground, Commonwealth Insurance Advisors, ATS, 911 Billing Services & Consultant Inc., Hometown Bank, Keeneland, Community Trust Bank, James Baker State Farm and Appalachian Wireless.

For more information about the race, contact Owens at (606) 549-6000.