Annual Kayaking for Kids event set for Aug. 6

We are about one month away from the Sixth Annual Kayaking for Kids event, sponsored by Whitley County Tourism and the Whitley County Fiscal Court. This year’s race is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Whitley County Fairgrounds, and registration is now underway.

“This is a race along the Cumberland River that we have hosted for the last several years,” said Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White, Jr. “It has become a significant tourism asset, and we like to use it to show and encourage people how fun it is to get out on the river.”

For those unaware, the event is called Kayaking for Kids because all proceeds go towards supporting different children’s programs in the area, including resource centers in local schools.

“We want people to get out and enjoy the river,” said White. “Some race, and some are just out there for the fun of it, but either way, the funds that we raise will be put towards kids programs in our area.”

“There are a lot of basic necessities that will be bought for children in need, so I am hopeful that we can continue to set the fundraising bar high. These funds do a lot of good for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

In order to help make this year’s Kayaking for Kids the most successful ever, Judge White has agreed to sit in a dunking booth on the opening day of the Whitley County Fair (Wed., July 13), with all proceeds going to support the program. District Judge Cathy Prewitt and Corbin City Commissioner Seth Reeves have also agreed to sit in the dunking booth to help raise funds for local kids in need.

“It is July, and I will probably need some help cooling off,” White said of his upcoming dunking booth appearance.

Those interested in learning more about this year’s Kayaking for Kids can call the Whitley County Fiscal Court at 549-6000. The fiscal court is also sharing information on social media via their Facebook page.

Pre-registration for the race is $20, and race-day registration will be $30. Included in that cost will be an official race t-shirt, a goodie bag, lunch and other prizes. 

Businesses interested in becoming an official sponsor of the event still have time to sign up as well. Contact the Whitley County Fiscal Court for details on how.