‘Kayaking for Kids’ set for Saturday

Enthusiasts of kayaks, jon boats and tubing will have the chance to race in the Cumberland River Saturday and raise some money to help the children of Whitley County.

As of Tuesday morning, 35 people had pre-registered for the ‘Kayaking for Kids” race.

Whitley County Projects Director Amber Owens said that the Whitley County Tourism Commission is organizing the race, and proceeds will go to provide 25 Upward basketball scholarships for children in Corbin and 25 Upward basketball scholarships for children in Williamsburg.

Owens said that the scholarships are for children whose parents can’t afford the participation fee.

The remainder of the proceeds from the race will be divided between family resource centers in Williamsburg, Whitley County and Corbin.

Owens said that the kayaks, jon boats and tubes will enter the river at the Ballard Ford East river access and will go 2.5 miles downstream where the race will end at the Red Bird boat ramp.

People with their own tubes, kayaks or jon boats are asked to drop them off at Ballard Ford and then drive their vehicles to Red Bird on the morning of the race. Shuttles will be there to take them back to Ballard Ford.

Sheltowee Trace will be renting kayaks that day, but not jon boats or tubes.

The entry fee is $30.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, and the race will start at 10 a.m.

The start times for the kayaks, jon boats and tubes will be staggered by 15-minute increments. Life jackets must be worn the entire race.

The first place prize for the kayak race is a kayak. The first place prize for the jon boat race is a tackle box and tackle.

Cumberland Falls State Park has also donated a one-night stay in a cabin as one of the first place prizes.

Hinkle Printing and Wilson Equipment have donated door prizes.

Woodbine Fire and Rescue will have three boats stationed at different points along the route in the event of an emergency or if a participant needs help.

Reclaiming Futures juvenile drug court program will be selling breakfast at the event as a fundraiser.

Cornerstone Community Church will be providing a free lunch.

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

Major sponsors for the race include: the Whitley County Tourism Commission, Whitley County Fiscal Court, Forcht Bank, and Firestone.