On a brilliant August day, over 75 people gathered at the Holbrook Point campsite to honor the legacy of Reggie Ellingwood and celebrate the Connecticut River. Following a lunch and dedication ceremony, a colorful flotilla of canoes and kayaks launched from Canaan, and paddled nine miles to a landing in Colebrook. Participants came as far away as Hartford, Connecticut, and for many, it was their first paddling experience on the river.
The event raised $1,773 in contributions directed toward the Reggie Ellingwood Memorial Fund, as well as VRC’s efforts to develop the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail.
Thanks also goes to Robbie Kimball at Waynes Lanes in Canaan, and Guy Laperle La Perle’s Iga in Colebrook, for donating pizza and beer for the event! Please show your appreciation to these community members next time you see them.
The positive energy of the group was inspiring, and the generous donations contributed by the community will go a long way to help us to further our work along the waterway and complete a project in honor of Reggie’s love of the North Country. Thanks to all who joined us!
The group gathered first at the Holbrook Point Campsite to share a lunch and participate in a dedication ceremony honoring the contributions of Reggie Ellingwood and his family.
Over 60 paddlers launched from Canaan, using the ramp constructed by the VRC in 2012.
It was a beautiful day to be on the water!
Ah, a post-paddle brew! All those who contributed $25 received a pint glass with a map of the river.
For more photos from the day, click here.
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