Organisers of the Northwich River Festival have announced a brand-new race as part of the annual event.
As well as the ever-popular MIGHTY River Weaver Dragon Boat Challenge on Saturday 9th July, teams are invited to enter The Puddle Ducks Pedalo Challenge on the afternoon of Sunday 10th July.
Sponsored by Puddle Ducks Swim Academy, based in Barons Quay, this fun activity is aimed at smaller groups such as small businesses, families, and friends.
The races will feature heats between the pedalo teams, which can consist of 2 to 4 crew members (two peddling and two using the supplied paddles), as they navigate a circular course on the River Weaver next to The ODEON. The ultimate winners will be decided in a grand final between the top three teams.
Entry is £10 per team, but teams will be asked to seek sponsors, with everything raised going to the Festival’s nominated charities; Down Syndrome Cheshire and the Cheshire West and Chester branch of The National Autistic Society, as well as the other great causes supported by Rotary in Northwich.
Rotarian Jim Mole, who is overseeing this part of the event said, “We realised that not everyone is able to raise a team large enough for the Dragon Boat racing, so we decided to offer this as an alternative. I think it’s going to be great fun, and I urge teams to get their applications in as soon as possible.”
But if you want to take part in the Dragon Boat Racing without a full team, all is not lost because you can apply to be part of a “Scratch” Team, thanks to Northwich Town Council and The Business Improvement District.
Northwich River Festival has become a firm favourite in the town’s event calendar, and as well as the racing, there is much to entertain visitors of all ages across the weekend of 9th and 10th July 2022.
Committee Chair, John Walton, said, “I am both amazed and delighted at how the Festival has captured the hearts of people – not just from Northwich, but from much further afield, and I thank all those who give their time and work so hard to make the event the success that it is.”
For visitors who want to take a more leisurely view of the river, Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust will be offering trips on its wheelchair-accessible vessel, “Over The Rainbow”, whilst Mid Cheshire Stand-Up Paddleboarders will be in attendance to offer tasted sessions. The Canal and River Trust will also have a presence, offering canoeing and fishing tasters.
On dry land, attractions include food, drink, trade, and charity stalls all weekend, as well as the Saturday Artisan Market. Plus, there will be a children’s fairground, displays, street theatre and circus performers, with Radio Northwich providing Summer tunes to keep the feel-good atmosphere flowing.
The more musical visitor should look out for the Rotary in Northwich Community Piano, which will be sited near to Wildwood Restaurant.
The event will draw to a close later on Sunday afternoon with the Famous Ducks on the Dane Charity Duck Race.
Northwich River Festival is organised by Rotary in Northwich and Rotaract volunteers, with the support of its sponsors, and The Canal and River Trust, Barons Quay, Northwich Town Council, Radio Northwich, The River Weaver Navigation Society, Northwich BID and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
For more details, to enter a team, book a stall, advertise or to buy Duck Race tickets, visit northwichriverfestival.org.uk
