Scantic Spring Splash Set for Saturday

With a mild winter behind us and the weather and water warming up, the Scantic River Watershed Association is set to put on the 21st annual Scantic Spring Splash Canoe and Kayak Race on Saturday, March 31. 

Registration is held from 9-11 a.m. at the on South Maple Street in Enfield. Registration fee is $20 per participant (any paddler) but is reduced to $18 per participant when each paddler brings a donation of a non-perishable food item for the . 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 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. The Racing Classes follow with a noon start.  

The Race Committee has again planned a few special events around the race. At 12:15 p.m. at the Powder Mill Barn will be a special appearance by Col. Augustus Hazard with a Civil War re-enacting group, the 9th Mass. Light Artillery, who will be firing a cannon cast in Boston, MA in 1846. They will be dressed in Civil War artillerist uniforms and fire their 1846 12 lb. Mountain Howitzer to celebrate the 21^st Annual Canoe and Kayak race.

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 teacher’s parking lot at the corner of Moody Rd. and North Maple St. 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 South 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 at 860-745-7282.

This year’s major sponsors of the race are and Carrollton Properties.

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