Paddle to the Symphony
A long-standing event that has been going on so long, no one seems to remember the first year it began. The Michigan Council of Hostelling International started the fundraiser 20 (or so) years ago when the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performed free summer concerts. For the last several years, the Michigan Philharmonic provides the tunes. This year’s event is on Saturday, July 12, and features music from the Beatles.
Attendees paddle across Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark in Milford from the North Martindale Beach area to the shore of Maple Beach where the concert stage is set up. Cars fill all the nearby parking spots. Lawn chairs and blankets cover the grassy area in front of the stage.
A Combined Effort
Across the country, regional councils of Hostelling International have dissolved to form one unified organization. Michigan has kept Paddle to the Symphony as a reunion for local HI members by collaborating with SOLAR Outdoors. Also billed as a “celebration of Southeast Michigan outdoor groups,” the event attracts individuals, non-profit clubs and outdoor groups.
While the concert is free, the paddle comes with a fee. For $25.00 per person, attendees may canoe or kayak from the shoreline of North Martindale Beach, across the ¼ mile span to Maple Beach. “On a calm day it takes 10 minutes to cross the lake,” said Michael Dwyer, organizer of the event for the last five years. “Even with a few waves it’s an easy paddle, ideal for all levels.”
Heavner Canoe will be providing the canoes and kayaks. They have special permission from the park to launch from the shoreline and they have provided the service since the event began. Participants may supply their own canoe or kayak. However, they will have to carry it from the nearby parking lot to the special launch area. If someone provides his or her own watercraft, the fee is just $5.00 to participate in the Paddle event. The fee goes towards soft drinks for the attendees.
If You Go
Registration is $25.00 per person (HIUSA & SOLAR members only $20.00). Bring your own canoe or kayak for just $5.00. Register online or with a downloaded mail-in form. Visit www.PaddletotheSymphony.com for both options.
4:00 p.m. Meet & Greet
6:00 p.m. Official Reception
7:00 p.m. Canoe Safety Meeting
7:30 p.m. Canoe Launch
8:00 p.m. Concert Starts
9:00 p.m. Canoes Paddle Back
9:30 p.m. Canoes Return
10:00 p.m. Thank you and Goodnight
Once at the park, do not follow the signs to the concert, the event is positioned across the lake. Instead, follow the signs to “Martindale Beach,” park and walk past shelter “S” and to the shoreline (you’ll see the canoes near the water). Anyone going on the water should arrive by 6:30 p.m. At the end of the evening, participants will have an easy drive out of the park since most of the concert traffic will be on the other side of the lake.