Paddle to the Symphony 2015
Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark welcomes Paddle to the Symphony every year – photo by Michael Dwyer
For over 20 years, Kensington Metropark in Milford, MI has been the home to Paddle to the Symphony. Once again, the event returns to the park and to Kent Lake for an evening of music and paddling. The Michigan Philharmonic performs a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Maple Beach. However, Paddle to the Symphony goers will meet on the other side of the lake on the shoreline of North Martindale Beach – hence the term “paddle to the symphony.”
Started by the Michigan Council of Hostelling International, Paddle to the Symphony is now a celebration of Southeast Michigan outdoor enthusiasts and a reunion for the founders. Friends of Hostelling International-Michigan and SOLAR Outdoors (both non-profits groups) have had a long history of collaborating with this event. Open to everyone to enjoy, Paddle to the Symphony celebrates an outdoor activity with a cultural experience.
Partners Making the Event Happen
Enjoying the tunes of the Michigan Philharmonic at the annual Paddle to the Symphony event in Milford – photo by Michael Dwyer
The Michigan Philharmonic brings the music of Motown, Mamma Mia and More as the line-up this summer. The concert is a popular event; paddlers avoid parking and traffic issues by starting and returning to the other side of the park. Those attending the paddle event need to register in advance. While the concert is free, there is a modest fee to participate in the paddle event (6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.).
Heavner Canoe, a long-time partner with the annual tradition, will be providing the canoes and kayaks. They have special permission to launch from the shoreline. The cost is $25.00 per person ($20 for SOLAR and Hostelling International Members). Those bringing their own canoe or kayak will pay only $15.00 ($10.00 for members). The fee goes toward the transportation and launching of the boats, the special launch area, assistance in/out of the area, and refreshments. Details and registration at the Paddle Website.
Social Gathering and Reunion
Hostelling International USA – Past, Present, and Future members – Welcomed at the Reunion
Friends of Hostelling International will meet for a pre-paddle party at the Farm Center at Kensington Metropark starting at 2:00 p.m. The Reunion is open to Past, Current, and Future members of HI-USA. Anyone affiliated with the Michigan Council of Hostelling International is invited to attend.
New to Hostelling?
The social gathering welcomes everyone to come to hear about the organization, its origins in Michigan, and how it works now. David Kalter from the central office will be attending the reunion and paddle event as an official representative of the unified national organization of Hostelling International USA. In addition, former Michigan Council directors, staff, and board members will be coming to celebrate and reminisce.
The reunion is a potluck event, please bring a dish to pass (a $10.00 donation per person is requested for those not bringing a dish). Please email R.S.V.P.’s and dish to pass item to HIUSAMichigan@gmail.com.
Attendees may come to the Reunion, or to the Paddle, or attend both events.
Here is the Full Day Timeline:
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. HI/AYH Social Gathering/Reunion
6:00 p.m. Official Paddle Welcome
7:00 p.m. Canoe Safety Meeting 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Canoe Launch
7:30 p.m. Concert Starts
9:00 p.m. Canoes Start to Paddle Back
9:30 p.m. All Canoes Return
10:00 p.m. Thank you and Goodnight
Canoes and Kayaks return to North Martindale Beach as the sun sets and music fades – photo by Michael Dwyer
All the details for the Social Gathering/Reunion and the Paddle to the Symphony are available at www.PaddletotheSymphony.com
About Michael Dwyer