Hiawatha Paddling Festival Brings Enthusiasts to Cedarville

The first Hiawatha Paddling Festival Friday, September 14, through Sunday, September 16, brought approximately 25 participants to the Cedarville area.

Organizer Jessie Hadley of Woods and Water Ecotours Outfitters in Hessel considers the event a success, and is already planning next year's festival.

"The intent behind this was to create a shoulder season event, and to continue putting the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Les Cheneaux area on the map as a wonderful and safe destination for kayaking," Ms. Hadley said.

She and the festival committee started planning the event almost three years ago to create a fall destination for paddling enthusiasts, when the area offers striking scenery and a quieter pace, while waters are still warm enough to get wet while practicing skills.

As part of the event, a Friday evening of music with Claudia Schmidt, renowned Michigan singer and musician entertained the public.

People registered in classes learned paddling instruction, and camping and outdoor exploration skills. Other activities included information about nature and kayak travel, star-gazing, music, saunas, and campfires.

The event was at Cedar Campus about seven miles east of Cedarville, where participants camped and stayed in cabins. Some remained in the area after the event was finished to shop and explore.

As the event expands, it has potential to bring more people to the area during the fall, Ms. Hadley said. Most of the participants traveled to the event from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and southern Michigan.

"There were very good instructors, a wonderful place to stay on the shore of a bay, good food, and a program packed with learning about gear, First-Aid and survival, and fitness exercises for paddlers," said Cheryl McCormick, one of the participants who traveled from Ohio.

Because of the small size of the group, participants had individualized instruction, Ms. Hadley added. The event was an American Canoe Association (ACA)-sanctioned festival, and all instructors are ACA certified. Instructors included Ken Bruland of Beaver Island Inland Seas Kayaking School, Sam Crowley of Sea Kayak Specialist in Marquette, Ms. Hadley, and Lori Stegmier, a paddling instructor.