Collaborating Cities Invite Kayakers and Canoeists to Participate in Friendly Competition

Media contacts: Shawn Keenan, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6926; skeenan@auburnhills.org

Auburn Hills, MI—May 21, 2019-- The City of Auburn Hills and the City of Rochester Hills are proud to announce that they are once again partnering for the 11th Annual Paddlepalooza. Paddlepalooza is an annual canoe/kayak race and adventure river paddle down the Clinton River on Saturday, June 1.

Participants will launch their watercraft starting at 8:30 a.m. with the men’s and women’s kayak race, followed at 8:45 a.m. by the two-person canoe race, then the adventure paddle at 9:00 a.m. This exciting event begins from the banks of Riverside Park (corner of Auburn and Squirrel Roads in downtown Auburn Hills) and will finish at River Crest Banquet Center (900 West Avon Road in Rochester Hills).

“Auburn Hills is proud to be defending the Mayor’s Cup title for the fifth the straight year, and we are hoping for another repeat win. I hope that Mayor Barnett has been training for this event. The Clinton River helps add to the sense of community by connecting our two cities and neighborhoods, and improves the quality of life for all of our residents and visitors. It’s one of my favorite events of the summer,” said Mayor Kevin McDaniel.

The 2019 event offers three paddling activities to choose from: an eight-mile one-person kayak race; an eight-mile, two-person canoe race; or an eight-mile adventure river paddle. The races and river paddle all conclude near the patio at the River Crest Banquet Center overlooking the river where lunch will be served and awards will be presented from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each race class, and participants will receive lunch and an event shirt.

The registration fee is $20, and participants are strongly encouraged to preregister. The event is not recommended for beginner paddlers because the river can be considered a difficult Class III rating at certain times of the year. Participants must be at least 12 years of age and all paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal flotation devices are required. The rain date is June 15, 2019.

“Paddlepalooza is one of the premier river events in Southeast Michigan. I love participating each year and I enjoy hearing the stories of new participants enjoying the beauty of the river for the first time. This year I hope to end the streak and bring the Mayor’s Cup back to Rochester Hills where it rightfully belongs,” said Mayor Bryan Barnett.

Event rules, as well as details about what to wear, canoe and kayak rentals, parking and shuttle service, and registration and waiver forms, are available at www.auburnhills.org, www.rochesterhills.org, or by calling the Auburn Hills Recreation Department at 248.370.9353.

About Auburn Hills
The City of Auburn Hills is a distinguished leader in southeast Michigan. Home to approximately 23,000 residents, as well as a workday population of approximately 100,000, Auburn Hills continues to be a thriving global business address. It is home to over 70 international corporations and hosts the World and North American headquarters for numerous outstanding businesses such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Continental Automotive Systems, Faurecia, and BorgWarner. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, which provides a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors.

About Rochester Hills
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills is a prosperous community offering residents and businesses superior services. Voted one of the top places to live by several sources including CNN Money magazine, Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family. Through the city’s focus on health, education and technology, the community continues to attract forward-thinking leaders and businesses.

Media contacts: Shawn Keenan, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6926; skeenan@auburnhills.org