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JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Stonycreek Rendezvous is gearing up to offer thrills to whitewater enthusiasts.
Sponsored by Benscreek Canoe Club, the event will be held Friday through Sunday at Greenhouse Park, state Route 403, Tire Hill.
Now in its 35th year, the three-day event is designed to showcase the whitewater opportunities available in the area to seasoned boaters and newcomers to the sport.
“Our last two or three years we’ve averaged 1,000 people registered coming in the gates, so we’ve seen the growth,” said Steve Podratsky, vice present of the Benscreek Canoe Club.
“The rendezvous is always a great time with paddlers who come back year after year, and we’re hoping to also introduce the sport to locals who are interested but don’t know how to get started.”
The Stonycreek Rendezvous attracts boaters and rafters to participate in one of the best whitewater rivers in the eastern United States, with rapids rated from Class I (beginner) to Class V (expert).
To ensure adequate water levels, the release valve at the Quemahoning Reservoir will be opened at 11 a.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Podratsky said the Stonycreek Rendezvous brings people in from more than a dozen states, including Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the Washington, D.C., area.
“Over 50% of the people coming into the rendezvous are coming from more than 50 miles away,” he said.
At 6 p.m. Friday, a Class II/III downriver sprint race will be held from Carpenter’s Park to Greenhouse Park. It consists of kayakers, open boaters and canoeists.
“For the last three years now the Stonycreek has served as the final for the four-race Headwaters Cup, so we’ll crown the champion at the conclusion,” Podratsky said. “We’ve had 40 to 50 participants for the last couple years in the race, and it’s made for a lot of fun.”
Registration cost is $20.
The annual freestyle rodeo will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the park.
Judging will be based on trick difficulty, variety and style in classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced.
“They have 90 seconds to do as many tricks as they can on that surfing wave at Greenhouse Park,” Podratsky said.
“This is always fun to watch as a bystander because you can sit 10 feet away from these men and women doing all these crazy tricks.”
The rendezvous will wrap up Sunday, when boaters can take to the water for casual activities.
Throughout the weekend there will be vendors offering boating gear.
Food vendors will be on hand, along with seven varieties of beer available for purchase.
In addition, there will be a gear raffle and a 50/50.
Musical entertainment will include Dave D Quartet from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday and Thorn Bush featuring Spinellis from 4 to 7 p.m., and Hickory Bottom Band from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Proceeds from the rendezvous will benefit Benscreek Canoe Club projects.
“We’re looking forward to a great rendezvous and continued growth of opportunities to enjoy whitewater in Johnstown,” Podratsky said.
Admission is $10 for a weekend pass. Music only admission is $5.
Tent camping at Greenhouse Park will be available for $10 per person for the weekend.
Firewood will be available on site through the Boy Scouts for $3 per bundle.
For more information, visit www.benscreekcanoeclub.com.
Continue reading...
Sponsored by Benscreek Canoe Club, the event will be held Friday through Sunday at Greenhouse Park, state Route 403, Tire Hill.
Now in its 35th year, the three-day event is designed to showcase the whitewater opportunities available in the area to seasoned boaters and newcomers to the sport.
“Our last two or three years we’ve averaged 1,000 people registered coming in the gates, so we’ve seen the growth,” said Steve Podratsky, vice present of the Benscreek Canoe Club.
“The rendezvous is always a great time with paddlers who come back year after year, and we’re hoping to also introduce the sport to locals who are interested but don’t know how to get started.”
The Stonycreek Rendezvous attracts boaters and rafters to participate in one of the best whitewater rivers in the eastern United States, with rapids rated from Class I (beginner) to Class V (expert).
To ensure adequate water levels, the release valve at the Quemahoning Reservoir will be opened at 11 a.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Podratsky said the Stonycreek Rendezvous brings people in from more than a dozen states, including Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the Washington, D.C., area.
“Over 50% of the people coming into the rendezvous are coming from more than 50 miles away,” he said.
At 6 p.m. Friday, a Class II/III downriver sprint race will be held from Carpenter’s Park to Greenhouse Park. It consists of kayakers, open boaters and canoeists.
“For the last three years now the Stonycreek has served as the final for the four-race Headwaters Cup, so we’ll crown the champion at the conclusion,” Podratsky said. “We’ve had 40 to 50 participants for the last couple years in the race, and it’s made for a lot of fun.”
Registration cost is $20.
The annual freestyle rodeo will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the park.
Judging will be based on trick difficulty, variety and style in classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced.
“They have 90 seconds to do as many tricks as they can on that surfing wave at Greenhouse Park,” Podratsky said.
“This is always fun to watch as a bystander because you can sit 10 feet away from these men and women doing all these crazy tricks.”
The rendezvous will wrap up Sunday, when boaters can take to the water for casual activities.
Throughout the weekend there will be vendors offering boating gear.
Food vendors will be on hand, along with seven varieties of beer available for purchase.
In addition, there will be a gear raffle and a 50/50.
Musical entertainment will include Dave D Quartet from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday and Thorn Bush featuring Spinellis from 4 to 7 p.m., and Hickory Bottom Band from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Proceeds from the rendezvous will benefit Benscreek Canoe Club projects.
“We’re looking forward to a great rendezvous and continued growth of opportunities to enjoy whitewater in Johnstown,” Podratsky said.
Admission is $10 for a weekend pass. Music only admission is $5.
Tent camping at Greenhouse Park will be available for $10 per person for the weekend.
Firewood will be available on site through the Boy Scouts for $3 per bundle.
For more information, visit www.benscreekcanoeclub.com.
Continue reading...
