The 2015 Mattawa Canoe Race was held Saturday July 25th 2015. This was the 39th running of the event. At 64K long, it is the longest canoe race in Ontario and considered one of the premier events.

In attendance were; Chris VA3CMX, Howard VE3GMG, Paul VA3PC, Bruce VA3BDR, Bill VE3TGI, and Drew VE3MAF. As in other years there were 3 checkpoints as well as the Finish.  #2 checkpoint is water (canoe) access only. Chris transported in all his gear including batteries, radios and a tarp for shelter.

Approximately 50 contestants left Olmstead Beach to run the complete race and another approximate 12 family fun contestants entered at Champlain Park. Aside from a few rain showers the weather cooperated. There was a dinner at the Community Centre afterwards.

The event ran well and there were no unusual problems. Bill had rented a contractor type trailer for use at the finish. This was a very successful experiment. It provided a sheltered, stable platform, especially during the rain storms, upon which to set up chairs and a table. There was ample room for 2 or 3 to sit and work. Bill and I discussed scenarios for event setups using a trailer vs the pop up tent. We will have a full report at the September 9th meeting and are looking for discussion and input. The Run off the Grid is Septenber 19th and I recommend we rent the trailer again for that event.

73 Drew VE3MAF

Post-race Meal: gd2go [13] will be catering and serving a hearty and healthy post-race meal with as much food sourced locally as possible and with minimal to no waste.  Leisure Farms [14] also supplies corn for a post-race corn roast. Bring your own plates, cups and cutlery.

Time limit: 8 hours. Must make the first 25 km loop in under 4 hours to continue for the 50 km.

Opening times: Vendors: 0630 - 0830. General public is admitted to the indoor gathering area commencing at 0730. No more braving the elements while waiting for the event to open! Doors open to the vendor area at 0900.
Cost: $7.00 per person and this includes a door prize ticket. An “express lane” for those with exact change. Children twelve and under admitted free. Vendor tables are $33.00 each for a table eight feet long. Grand Prize tickets are $5.00 each, three for $10.00.
 
How To Get There:  http://www.markhamfair.ca/canadaslargest-4-day-agricultural-fair-6/greet... [15]
 
Webpage:  http://yrarc.org/index.php/our-hamfest [16]

Opening times: Doors open to general public at 9am and close at 1pm. Vendors may start setting up at 730am.
Cost: Admission is $7
http://www.durhamregionhamfest.com [18]

911A Gormanville Rd. North Bay.  Here is how to get there if you need it.  http://www.ve3nbc.ca/content/meeting-location-2013 [19].
 

Field Day is always the fourth full weekend of June, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday and running through 2059 UTC Sunday. Field Day 2015 is June 27-28.

We have now been requested.  Sign up on the webpage as usual. Thanks.
One wrinkle this year is that they would like a radio sitting about 300 yeards from the finish to call in the participant numbers to the announcer on the stage (therefore, 2 volunteers more than usual).
6-8 volunteers required.
 

Grenfell Community Centre / Arena
1989 Sunnidale Road, Grenfel, ON L0L 1Y0
 
Take Highway 400 Northbound to Dunlop Road West, Head 5km west on Dunlop Road West ( Hwy 90 )to Pinegrove Road, turn right proceed north 1 km to Sunnidale Road. Turn Right, proceed 500m . Grenfell Community centre on your right.
 
http://rac.eton.ca/events/detail.php?event_ID=1732 [21]