Greatest Row On Earth: PHOTOS- Petaluma's 'Day On The River'

By Al Francis:

Hundreds turned out for Sunday’s annual Day on the River and took turns paddling or pedaling in kayaks, canoes, on stand-up paddle boards and with other small craft at the Petaluma River Turnaround.

The docks were filled with first timers and returning kayakers and rowers enjoying clear, sunny skies and calm waters at the downtown Petaluma waterway. There was also piano music provided by Petaluma Pete, who hauled his upright next to the lagoon-type setting and wore his straw hat and his traditional white gloves.

The event was hosted by the Petaluma Small Craft Center, along with the local Whole Foods. Craig Caddell, a board member of the PSCC, estimated that more than 300 people took advantage of a lesson and a self-propelled cruise on the waterway for $10 each.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the $600,000 construction of an approved Floathouse Boat Rental Center on the river in downtown. Hopes are that it will be realized by 2017.

And if you missed the weekend event, other summer events on the Petaluma river include:

• the Rivertown Revival on July 18;
• the 11th Annual Petaluma River Marathon & Half Marathon on Sept. 6;
• followed by the 3rd Annual Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival on Sept. 12;
• and the 10th Annual Wine Country Rowing Classic on Oct. 4.

Photos by Al Francis of NapaSonomaPhotos.com