The second wave crowds into the final lock
The first wave arrives in Oswego
Paddler of all ages took part
The media weren’t the only ones taking photos
Put your feet up and relax a while
A patriotic trio
Going under Bridge Street bridge
Spectators lined the waterway to watch the paddlers
The view through side of bridge
Headed to the Maritime Museum site
The second wave crowds into the final lock
Here they come
Waiting to go through the last lock
Keep rowing, we’re almost there!
FULTON/OSWEGO, NY – Roughly 650 participants took to the Oswego River on Saturday for the fifth year of Paddlefest fun.
Some launched from Indian Point in Fulton for an 11.17-mile trek while others launched from Minetto for the shorter course of 5.86 miles to finish at H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego.
The event began five years ago when Oswego native, Jake Mulcahey first thought up the idea and put it to the test, garnering 75 participants in its infancy.
Each year since, the event has grown by hundreds and the Paddlefest organizer’s volunteer group enlisted the help of Cre8 Studios, contracted as the event coordinator.
Cre8 Studios, in their fourth year coordinating the event, will likely be taking over the event entirely in years to come as event founder, Mulcahey said he is participating today for the last time.
“This event has grown so much in strength and I know it’s going to continue to be fantastic. My time is limited- work is busy, my family is growing. I know Cre8 has this under control so now is as good a time as any to step out and move on,” Mulcahey told Oswego County Today.
As his vision has surpassed all expectations, he is satisfied with where the event stands and is confident it will continue to achieve all the initial things it was created for.
“It’s great, this was always the idea. We set out to utilize and draw attention to our waterfront and natural resources. There’s a demand for stuff like this, clearly,” he said.
Chris Jones of Cre8 said they are nothing less than thrilled to continue the event in coming years.
“This event showcases our best qualities and resources we have which is our waterfront. The historic Oswego River and Lake Ontario both are reasons people choose to visit or live here. The continuation of Paddlefest is important to us,” Jones said.
Outside of Oswego County participants, Jones said the event has grown so large to attract participants from places throughout the country to use and enjoy Oswego’s natural water sources.
Providing a fun recreation activity for the local community is one element of Paddlefest, but additionally each year a local organization is selected to receive a portion of the Paddlefest proceeds.
This year, Oswego Lions Club was selected following donations in previous years to Harborfest, Oswego YMCA, Children’s Museum of Oswego, and Oswego County Opportunities.
The event has become a county-wide endeavor with volunteers and a number of law enforcement and fire departments on site from all over Oswego County to direct participants and for safety precautions.
“We really appreciate their help and professionalism, we couldn’t do this without all of them,” Mulcahey said.
Many participants return year to year for Paddlefest, but each year brings a number of new participants.
In Fulton, Kerry Somers nervously prepared to launch for the 11.17-mile journey down the Oswego River for her debut participation in Paddlefest.
Her nine-year-old son, Logan, was excitedly preparing right beside her for his first time participating in Paddlefest as well.
“I’m here because of my son, he asked me if we could do this,” she said. “This is only my second time kayaking so I’m nervous but excited.”
Heather Morris was asked by her wife to try the event for the first time as well. Though her wife had participated last year, this was Morris’ first time joining the Paddlefest fun.
“Hopefully I make it! I’ve kayaked a few times last year but just in a small body of water, nothing like this. So it’s different and I’m nervous, but I’m excited,” she said.
Neal Champion returned for the second year after a fun first trek at last year’s Paddlefest.
“This is just a fun event. It gets people together to be outside and enjoy our resources,” he said.
“Jill” said it was “an easy paddle.”
“You don’t really notice how many miles. You’re having fun with a big group of people,” she explained. “The scenery is beautiful. And, before you know it, you’re all done.”
Dozens of spectators lined the route near the Bridge Street bridge in Oswego. Many have viewed the event all five years.
“I enjoy coming here and watching them go by. Some of them get very creative and colorful,” one lady said.
All the participants finish at H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego to be greeted by music, food and friendly faces during the Rock The Locks Festival along the River Walk West.
Open to the public, spectators and community members were welcomed to join in the celebration.
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I loved it! Great people and so much fun to go through the locks and party!