Paddlers in Hankins head at full speed for the finish line at Callicoon.

By TOM KANE

CALLICOON, NY — Word about the tradition of a canoe regatta in Callicoon each summer is spreading among paddlers.

Over 85 racers joined in the Sixth Annual Callicoon Canoe Regatta that was held on Sunday, July 11 on the Upper Delaware River.

The race occurred between Hankins and Callicoon—a distance of 7.3 miles.

“We had a woman from Miami Beach who deliberately came up here to race,” said Tom Freda, one of the organizers of the race.

She made it the occasion to visit her friend, Kate McGuiness from Goshen. They both raced their canoe together.

Others came from Massachusetts and Saddle River, NJ.

“Two men from Unadilla—Matt Rudnitsky and Nate Derr—had the best times,” Freda said. “They did it in 55 minutes and 59 seconds. That’s really steaming.”

Two young women—Tonya Tesseyman from Long Eddy and Ryann Haberli from Hankins—had never been in a canoe before.

“We’re the only ones in our class so we’re bound to win,” they said.

John Kelder brought his dog, Gunney, to be a companion in his canoe.

“There’s no class for a boy and his dog,” Kelder said.

“This was just a wonderful community event with perfect weather.” Freda said.

After the race, paddlers were treated to a free chicken barbecue at the Delaware Community Center, presented by the Catholic Youth Organization lead by Anne Backlund.

Everyone at the barbecue was entertained by folksinger Jack Hardy, who donated his time and talent.

Proceeds from the race were donated to the Delaware Community Center.