Frankfort Weather Forecast

The paddling season is upon us. Can’t you feel it! The birds are singing, the days are getting longer and warmer and the creeks and the rivers are looking green again, all flushed out from the high water in the winter. Time to hit the water. And what better way in these tough economic times than in a canoe or a kayak. Think about it; they are much cheaper than power boats (quality kayaks start out around $400), they don’t use gas (could it go up again?!) and they can get you to spots on the water that other boats can’t get to. Seems like a no brainer!

Canoe Kentucky is offering the perfect opportunity to jump into the paddling world. It is called Kentucky Paddle Fest 2009. In the past, Canoe Kentucky has offered a “demo day” in the spring at our shop in Peaks Mill. But, being right on the banks of the Elkhorn Creek, Canoe Kentucky is able to offers demo’s or test drives, every day, so it was nothing unique to have a whole day set aside for it. So we have changed things up a bit.

First off, after the huge success of Paddlepalooza in the fall (we had over 400 attendees!) on the Kentucky River, we have brought our event location in to Frankfort on the Kentucky River. The two-day event, held April 24th and 25, 2009, will be at two downtown venues. Friday night, April 24, will be an opening reception, registration and meet and greet, held at the Capital Plaza Hotel. It will run from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will include live music from The String Syndicate, a cash bar and finger foods and an opportunity to get you and your family signed up for the following days events.

Saturday, April 25, will be the showcase day for the Kentucky Paddle fest. It will be located at Kentucky Riverview Park, directly across the street from the Capital Plaza Hotel. The day will kick off at 9:00 am with a hike up to Fort Hill with the current co-director of Frankfort City Parks, Jim Parrish. Come learn about the history of this area in Frankfort and enjoy a morning stroll with all your local friends.

After the hike and throughout the rest of the day, seminars will be offered on anything outdoors. We have not only grabbed instructors from the local community, but we have first class, professional paddlers and fishermen coming in for this event. Jimbo Meador is one of these professionals. Jimbo is a world-renowned fly fisherman and head boat designer for Native Watercraft. His other claim to fame is he is the voice inspiration behind Forrest Gump! Jimbo will be teaching classes on fishing from a kayak, as well as one on modern kayak design and use. We will also have classes offered on how to pick the right canoe or kayak for you, packing a boat for an extended trip, paddling for beginners, geocaching, fundamentals for backpacking, fly tying and more. These seminars will run from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and are all included with the registration fee. The instructors will also be around all day to answer any questions not covered.

Besides learning about the outdoor opportunities that abound here in Central Kentucky, there will also be boat demo’s available all day. We will have canoes and kayaks on hand from 8 different manufacturers, including Heritage, Native, Jackson, Current Designs, Hurricane, Hobie, Wenonah and Osagian. Reps will be on hand from these companies as well to assist you. Come on down and try out some boats before you buy and know that Canoe Kentucky will have some great deals going on this day! Local food vendors will also be on hand to make sure you do not do hungry.

End your spring evening in the perfect way; bring a picnic dinner and enjoy some live music on the banks of the beautiful Kentucky River. Use this opportunity to soak in the ambiance of the day and to catch up on any last minute questions you have for our pros and pro staff.

What a great way to start your paddling season. Hang out with friends, learn from the best and get in that new sport you have wanting to embrace. Pre registration for this event is recommended and includes some great gifts. You can do so by picking up a registration card at numerous local shops, in this paper or by calling Canoe Kentucky at 502 227 4492. You can also email us at info@canoeky.com. We look forward to seeing you on the water.

PS: This is the going to be the first of many riverfront events this summer, so keep a close ear at local shops and at Canoe Kentucky for upcoming happenings. You are going to love this!