Riverfest Kicks off Saturday with the Mascoma Slalom

Apr 20, 2023 11:31AM ● By Virginia Dean

Photo from www.ledyardcanoeclub.org/riverfest

The annual Riverfest kicks off Saturday, April 22 at 9am with the Mascoma Slalom that has run every year since 1963 and is the oldest consecutively run slalom race in the country. Dartmouth College’s Ledyard Canoe Club temporarily hangs gates on the Mascoma and lays out the course.

The race draws a wide variety of competitors, from nationally ranked slalom boaters to creek boaters who love the challenge of trying to make a couple of the gates. The Mascoma is class II to III, depending on levels. Racers may run practice laps after they register and before the mandatory racer meeting at 9am. The fee is $20 to compete in the race. The cost is $15 for Dartmouth students. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or DA$H for students. Parking is at Baker’s Crossing or the church parking lot up the road.

Also part of Riverfest is the Wells River Tumble that has run almost annually since 2004. The race features a mass start and a one-mile paddle to finish. The Wells River is a tributary of the Connecticut River and runs south into it. It is a class I to III river, depending on levels. This race takes place on Sunday, April 23. Racers may run practice laps after they register and before the mandatory racer meeting. The fee is $20 to compete in the race, and $15 for Dartmouth students. Payment can also be made in cash, check, or DA$H for students.

Lastly, to celebrate the weekend’s festivities in style, the Riverfest Party takes place at 9pm on Saturday, April 22 in Tom Dent (in the parking lot above the Ledyard Clubhouse) with raffle prizes from the festival’s sponsors. Free beer and cider (21+) and prizes will be available.

For further information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

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