Adirondack Paddlefest 2012, known to be one of the largest on-water canoe and kayak events in the nation, will take place at the Old Forge lakefront on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 18 through 20.
More than 75 manufacturers of canoes, kayaks, and accessories will be bringing over 1,000 boats for sale, while offering on-site test paddling opportunities and instruction to outdoor and paddling enthusiasts of all levels of expertise.
But there will be much more than boats and gear for sale at the event, said John Nemjo, owner of Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company who has brought Paddlefest to the area for the last 14 years.
“This year we made a real effort to expand Paddlefest to make it more of a festival event. We added more free clinics and demos—including demonstrations on paddling technique, Stand-Up-Paddleboards (SUPs) and how to choose the right boats and gear,” Nemjo said.Among the instructional opportunities will be a series of Kayak Clinics for Kids that will be conducted by Swift Canoe and Kayak, the American Canoe Association and The Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Also new to this year’s Paddlefest is the inaugural Adirondack Paddlers Photo Contest, sponsored by Adirondack Explorer, Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company and View, the arts center in Old Forge.
The themed contest is open to amateur and professional photographers who can enter on-line at: viewarts.org through Friday, May 11th.
Returning this year will be the acclaimed Reel Paddling Film Festival, a film contest that awards winning films in 10 categories. The films will begin at 7 p.m. The festival is sponsored by Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company.
A reception from 6 to 7 p.m. at View will precede the festival where light hors d’oeuvres will be served and beer and wine will be available for purchase. Winners of the photo contest will be announced during the reception.
Admission to Adirondack Paddlefest 2012 is $5 per day. Children 12 and under free are admitted free. Visitors can choose to test paddle all weekend for $20 and be admitted free to the show. The $20 test paddle fee is applied to a canoe, kayak, or SUP board purchase.
For more information about Paddlefest 2012 visit: www.adirondackpaddlefest.com or call (315) 369–6672.
