Scantic Spring Splash Celebrating Silver Anniversary

Celebrating its silver anniversary year, the 25th annual Scantic Spring Splash Canoe and Kayak Race has been scheduled for Saturday, March 26.

Registration is held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Powder Mill Barn on South Maple Street in Enfield. The registration fee is $25 per participant (any paddler), and donations of non-perishable food items for the Enfield Food Shelf are encouraged. The theme again this year is Be a Fan Donate a Can.

The start for all racers is at Quality Avenue in Somers. Volunteers restrict parking so plan on a quick boat drop and then drive your car to the end-destination of your race. A free bus shuttle offered by Smyth Bus Company will bring you back to the start and finish locations The Novice Class is in the water first, starting promptly at 11:30 a.m., and the Racing Classes follow beginning at noon.

Before, during and after the race, hot and cold food and snacks will be provided by the Scantic River Watershed Association for a nominal fee in the Powder Mill Barn. The South Maple Street Bridge will be closed to all traffic during the event.

Spectators wishing to watch the race from the South Maple Street Bridge area are encouraged to park at the Fermi High School teacher’s parking lot at the corner of Moody Road and North Maple Street and take a free shuttle bus provided by Smyth Bus Company. The shuttle bus will begin picking up spectators at Fermi at approximately 11:30 a.m. Both buses will provide transportation from the barn to the Fermi lot after the race is over.

New safety rules have been put in place by the Race Committee and all participants in the Racing Class race (Quality Ave. to S. Maple St.) will be required to wear safety helmets. All racers must wear approved over the shoulder PFD. All kayakers, and participants 16 and under must also wear a safety helmet regardless of the race they participate in. All participants are encouraged to wear wet suits due to the cold water. Rentals can be reserved for the day of the race from Enfield Scuba & Water Sports at 860-745-7282.

Race course descriptions, pre-registration, and further information is available by checking the website at www.ScanticSpringSplash.org or by calling Mike Dynia at 860-745-9986 or email mdynia@yahoo.com or jeffdynia1@cox.net.

Photo credit: Tim Jensen