There wasn’t a ribbon cutting to open the first ever Water and Dirt Festival in the Ottawa Valley. A ceremonial drumming and kayak paddle splitting kicked off the 10-day festival that will feature events on land, lakes and rivers.
There are nine events planned including the Upper Ottawa River Race, a Kayak Fishing Tournament, the Extreme Slalom Race, Doggy Paddle, skate board and bike park competitions, a triathlon, trail run and the Forest Lea Enduro.
Event organizer Colin Coyle says they started with the Paddle for CHEO event about 10-years ago and had about 40 people attend. Over the last decade the event has grown significantly with over 1,000 people excepted to participate in the Water and Dirt Festival over the next 10-days.
The event features parts of Pembroke, Petawawa, Laurentian Valley and North Algona Wilberforce.
Coyle says even if you’re not planning to compete, you can still come out and cheer people on.
Opening statements were provided by Renfrew County Warden and Laurentian Valley Reeve Debbie Robinson, MP Cheryl Gallant, North Algona Wilberforce Mayor James Brose, Petawawa Deputy Mayor Gary Serviss and Joe McBreatry, the President and CEO of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, who are the title sponsor of the event.
You can register for the events and get more information online at WaterAndDirt.ca
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
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