Paddlepalooza 2018

Collaborating Cities Invite Kayakers and Canoeists to Participate in Friendly Competition Set for Saturday, June 2

The City of Auburn Hills announces that it is once again partnering with the City of Rochester Hills on Paddlepalooza 2018, an annual canoe/kayak race and adventure river paddle down the Clinton River on Saturday, June 2.

Participants will launch their watercraft starting at 8:30 a.m. with the men’s and women’s kayak race, followed at 8:45 a.m. by the two-person canoe race, then the adventure paddle at 9:00 a.m. This exciting event begins from the banks of Riverside Park (corner of Auburn and Squirrel Roads in downtown Auburn Hills) and will finish at River Crest Banquet Center (900 West Avon Road in Rochester Hills).

The Mayor’s Cup award was added five years ago to encourage some friendly competition between the two cities. This friendly competition brings together two Mayors, who continue to compete for bragging rights.

“Auburn Hills is proud to be defending the Mayor’s Cup title this year, and we are hoping for another repeat win. I hope that Mayor Barnett has been training for this event. It is always a nice fun and friendly competition with our great neighbors in Rochester Hills,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “Paddlepalooza continues to be one of my favorite community events of the summer; there is no better way to experience the scenic Clinton River.”

The 2018 event offers three paddling activities to choose from: an eight-mile single person kayak race; an eight-mile, two-person canoe race to River Crest; or an eight-mile adventure river paddle. The races and river paddle all conclude near the patio at the River Crest Banquet Center overlooking the river where lunch will be served and awards presented from 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each race class, and participants will receive lunch and an event shirt.

“Paddlepalooza is a high-energy event that keeps people coming back year after year,” said Brian Marzolf, Auburn Hills Parks & Recreation Director. “The Clinton River helps add to the sense of community by connecting our two cities and neighborhoods, and improves the quality of life for all of our residents and visitors.”

The registration fee is $20, and participants are strongly encouraged to preregister. The event is not recommended for beginner paddlers because the river can be considered a difficult Class III rating at certain times of the year. Participants must be at least 12 years of age and all paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal flotation devices are required. The rain date is June 16.

Event rules as well as details about what to wear, canoe and kayak rentals, parking and shuttle service, and registration and waiver forms are available at www.auburnhills.org and www.rochesterhills.org.

Please note that there is construction in the immediate area of Riverside Park. Please give yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the registration area. Signage for parking is bright orange and public lots are accessible off Primary Street.