Sorry for my late post, went camping for the weekend.
River Fest 2016
When-June 4th
Where- B&O Station 530 Mahoning Ave Youngstown, OH 44502
GPS 41.101850,-80.657478
Time 12-5 (TCT Rides and Demo 12-4) unless we need to cut it off sooner due to being tuckered out.
TCT should arrive before noon, I would guess 10:30-11 to help set up, tent, tables and get boats ready.
It is time for River Fest once again. This is our chance to give back to the community and to the Mahoning River. This is an opportunity to continue what the original members wanted to do when they started Trumbull Canoe Trails. To help educate and paddle the Mahoning River, which is our home river.
This is the 6th year the Friends of the Mahoning will have River Fest. This will be our 4th year helping as a vendor.
Like years past we will be giving Canoe rides and Kayak demos to the public.
For anyone who has helped in the past you know the feeling of how great it is to see people who have lived in the valley or visiting and never been on the Mahoning River and we can give them that experience.
Good example for me was a couple from New York City last year. Visiting relatives and when they got in my canoe they could not believe how beautiful the Mahoning is and how much we have compared to Central Park. I have heard many other stories from other members and it just brings a smile to us all.
I would like to apologies in advance to all members. I am asking for as much help as possible form Canoers, Kayakers, Tent volunteers, Life Jacket Station and Dock Workers.
I am unable to attend this weekend event as I am required to leave town for work. It truly pains me to ask for so much form members when I can?t help. This is an event I love and want to help be there so much, but some battles can?t be won.
We will follow the same game plan as years past.
Here is what we need-
1. All Canoes possible (up to date registrations) with a member who can control the canoe with people who might not be as experienced)
2. Members to help work the dock. Help guest in and out of the canoes and kayaks. Also follow Jodi?s game plan from a year ago and having guest wait off the dock and only come down when it is time.)
3. Members to work our table (hopefully someone else has a popup tent)
4. Please bring extra Life Vest for the Public and Kids size Life Vest if possible!
I wouldn?t bring your favorite vest if you don?t plan to paddle just so nothing happens to it.
For the kayakers we need extremely easy & stable rec kayaks available for the public to try.
Each kayak would have a TCT member assigned to that demo kayak and would paddle next to the guest and go over basics of kayaking and together paddle up to the West Ave dock and back like the Canoe Rides.
? Example-Jessica uses her kayak, and stayed with my orange swift kayak the whole time it was in use by the public.
Last year we had four kayaks for the public going the whole time. I believe that is a great number. If we get more kayaks and TCT members who can paddle next to one, I believe more the merrier.
Sequence of Operation for Canoe & Kayak Rides
1. Public guest will sign a waiver form at our tent & given a ticket.
2. Get fitted for a life vest (if a guest can?t fit into a life vest they are unable to go)
3. Go down by the dock and wait but not on the dock as it would get to crowded.
(thank you again Jodi for noticing that last year)
4. Have quest give the dock worker or paddler the ticket.
(this allows the paddlers or dock work to know they signed the waiver)
5. Load up and take a nice paddle or ride
6. Unload quest and return to life jacket station and return life vest.
Thank you to all TCT members who are able to help. It will truly be appreciated by many.
Mike Danko