Fourth Annual Reservoir Challenge This Weekend

Area residents will have the opportunity to get out on the Oradell Reservoir in kayaks and canoes for the only time this year Saturday at the annual , an event to benefit the nonprofit Hackensack Riverkeeper organization.

"It's a really unique event because we're partnering with United Water to open the reservoir to recreational paddlers and it's the only day they're able to do that," Hackensack Riverkeeper Development Director Emilio DeLia said.

Saturday's event will include 5K and 10K races and guided paddle tours for those who don't want to race. It will also feature the highly contest Mayor's Cup race between the mayors of towns around the reservoir. Westwood Mayor John Birkner, who won the first two Mayor's Cup races, will seek to regain his title from last year's winner, Demarest Mayor Ray Cywinski.

In addition to the action on the water, Whole Foods will have a barbecue and an experiences paddle-carver will be giving demonstrations.

The Reservoir Challenge is $25 for participants and free for spectators. Kayak rentals are also available for $25. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Before the challenge, Hackensack Riverkeeper will also be holding at the Friday at 7 p.m. The reception will include a variety of food and music from popular local band Frantic. Tickets to the reception are $25.

Hackensack Riverkeeper is a nonprofit organization which seeks to preserve and restore the Hackensack River. They hold a number of educational programs and river clean-ups each year. They also seek to make polluters clean up damage they do to the river.

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