Kayak Festival this weekend

• Two Harbors Kayak Festival

Kayakers will be at Burlington Bay for the annual Two Harbors Kayak Festival August 7-9. File photo

Talk about it

Lake Superior will be painted with a sea of color this weekend.

Kayakers will pick up their flashy vessels and head down to Burlington Bay for the annual Two Harbors Kayak Festival Aug. 7-9.

Founder Ellen Anderson, after seeing the success of Grandma’s Marathon, thought it would be a good idea to have a festival in Two Harbors.

“The people running it now are doing a magnificent job,” Anderson said. “They’re raising it to a higher level.”

The tradition, in its 12th year, should draw about 1,000 people to the area for entertainment, which in turn will provide an economic boost for the area.

No matter what the conditions, the weather or economy, the city should be packed considering the numbers of people here to enjoy the festivities.

“The campground was booked months ahead of time,” said Sarah Cron, marketing director for the event. She said one hot year, they had about 3,000 people come and enjoy the water carnival.

Some may say the economy could slow local festivals numbers, but the kayak festival may be immune to it.

“Kayaking is a cheap thing to do,” Cron said. “My biggest concern is the weather.”

Cron said the event is specifically scheduled this weekend because of past weather patterns. On top of beautiful weather (hopefully) most of the work for the event is done by between 30 to 50 community volunteers.

“We have one paid staff person,” Cron said.

Funds raised at the event go to pay bills such as tent rentals, etc. The Two Harbors Kayak Festival is a non-profit event.

There are usually about 200 registered racers.

“We have a lot of local racers,” Cron added.

In the 18-mile marathon, draws some experienced, high-class racers, plus many from the Duluth Boat Club come to compete.

Racers can register until Friday, but not on the day of the race.

For more information about the festival and kayaking in general, check out the Lake County News Chronicle’s special Two Harbors Kayak Festival section inserted into your paper.

If you are interested in volunteering, call (218) 525-9806 or e-mail them at registration@kayakfestival.org.

Tags: two harbors, kayak festival, northland, outdoors, rec, sports