
Team Paws for a Paddle from Petawawa Toyota holding up the "golden paddle" trophy after winning the Doggy Paddle relay event on Lake Dore on Sunday, August 14th, 2022.
Wouldn’t it be something if there was an event this summer that showcased the absolute best of what The Ottawa Valley has to offer all rolled into one big happening? Look no further than the 2025 Water and Dirt Festival in Petawawa.
The event kicks off this Friday August 8th and runs over two consecutive weekends ending off with the Petawawa Triathlon on Sunday August 17th.
Organizer Colin Coyle, Manager of Recreation and Tourism for the Town of Petawawa says that the event has spread across the Valley with it’s origins solely in Petawawa:
He says that when he approached other regions in The Valley there was nothing but support for the idea given all of the natural resources that exist:
The humble beginnings of the multifaceted event involved only one race and it has come along way since the initial idea to today says Coyle:
The costs associated with each event go directly back to the venue to help maintain and/or improve the experience for later enjoyment says Coyle:
Word of mouth and and a positive past experience are what bring people out year after year as the event continues to grow and attract lots of tourism which of course is more than beneficial to the region on the whole. Coyle estimates that approximately 1500 people participate in the 15 or so events every year and they expect this year to meet or exceed that number.
Another major draw is the fact that if one comes for a specific event or two there are tons of other activities and sights to see in The Valley while visiting so folks really get the biggest bang for their buck by heading up here for the Festival.
For all the information you will need please click the link below. See you there!
(Written By: Richard Evans)