More than 100 kayak enthusiasts will gather at St. Ignace for a Women's Kayak Symposium Thursday, August 17, through Sunday, August 20. Instructional courses, workshops, and demonstrations will be offered to registered participants, and some demonstrations will be open to the public.

Activities are planned at Sand Bay, but weather conditions may move the workshops to Kiwanis Beach or American Legion Park, said Glen King of St. Ignace, who has helped coordinate the event with sponsor Down Wind Sports of Marquette.

Full-day and half-day kayak trips are planned for participants, as well as a range of beginning, intermediate, and advanced water classes. Activities begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, continuing each day until 8:30 p.m., through Sunday. Kayak gear will be demonstrated to participants and the public Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. A slide show presented by Jessie Hadley of Woods and Waters Ecotours of Hessel at 8:30 p.m. Thursday will be open to the public.

This is the symposium's third year, and the first time it has visited St. Ignace.

Cost of the symposium is $160, or $150 for American Canoe Association (ACA) members. For those registering on or before August 10, the cost is $95, or $89 for ACA members. Additional fees are required for kayak tours.

Registration forms and more information about the schedule are available from Mr. King at the Quality Inn of St. Ignace.