General Clinton Canoe Regatta

General Clinton Canoe Regatta

May, Memorial Day weekend

Originally a re-creation of the historic trip down the Susquehanna River by General James Clinton during the Revolutionary War, this well-known canoe regatta now has three divisions, one for professionals and two for amateurs, based on the type of canoe used. The professional race, which has gained national recognition as the World Championship Flat Water Endurance Race, is the longest one-day race of its kind and covers a 70-mile stretch of the river between Cooperstown and Bainbridge, New York. When it was first held in 1962, it was a one-day affair, but now the regatta and the events associated with it extend for three and a half days over the Memorial Day weekend. There are cash prizes, and the event attracts canoeists from Canada, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
In addition to the races, a carnival and many other activities for spectators are held at General Clinton Park. It was, in fact, money raised by the races that enabled the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce to purchase the riverfront land on which the park now stands.

CONTACTS:
Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 2
Bainbridge, NY 13733
607-967-8700; fax: 607-967-3207
www.canoeregatta.org

SOURCES:
GdUSFest-1984, p. 122