ELK RAPIDS, MICH. – The annual Paddle Antrim Festival, one of Northern Michigan’s premier paddle sports events, once again welcomes paddlers to enjoy a weekend of exploring the Lower Peninsula Chain of Lakes region .
Registration is now open for the Paddle Antrim Festival 2022, which will take place from 15-17 September this year. Now in its seventh year, the non-competitive event highlights the wide range of paddling opportunities along the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, a 100-mile paddling trail spanning four counties in northwest Lower Michigan.
The festival offers plenty of distance opportunities along the water trail, allowing paddlers of all skill levels to participate. In addition to two days of paddling, the event includes three days of live music, food and drink for attendees and the community at large.
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The festival aims to encourage people to enjoy the region’s rivers and lakes while supporting the non-profit Paddle Antrim, whose mission is to protect the Chain of Lakes waterway by focusing on the stewardship, education and improved access through the development of the water trail.
“We are delighted to invite all levels of paddlers to take their canoe, kayak or paddle board and experience the diversity of paddling available on our crystal clear waters,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “Over 175 paddlers travel from across the state and country to experience the diversity of the Chain of Lakes pristine water trail and the wonderful hospitality each community has to offer.”
Beyond the paddling events, the weekend kicks off Thursday night with live music and food hosted by the Village of Ellsworth, and a block party hosted by Destination Bellaire. The festival will conclude with an all-ages party on Saturday night in Elk Rapids hosted by the festival’s main sponsor, Short’s Brewing Company.
To find out more about the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and Paddle Antrim, as well as information and entry details for the Paddle Antrim Festival, visit paddleantrim.com.
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