Paddlefest Continues 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Paddlefest

Delaware Seashore State Park continues 50th anniversary celebrations with Paddlefest

Dewey Beach, DE – The staff of Delaware Seashore State Park are continuing their 50th anniversary celebrations with a Paddlefest, a brand new event to the state park, taking place on Saturday, August 26. This event could even be described as a paddling 5K, or a scavenger hunt via kayak!

“We’ve been offering kayak eco-tours for over 10 years, but we figured with the 50th anniversary being this year, it was time to try something new and different”, says Laura Scharle, Interpretive Programs Manager for the park. “Most people come to our park to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but few people stop to enjoy the expansive salt marsh habitat and wildlife-viewing opportunities on the bayside of the park. This event is the perfect opportunity to check it out.”

Participants will launch at Savages Ditch Road, and paddle a 4-mile course that ends at New R.  Along the way, park naturalists will be stationed throughout the course to share tidbits about marsh ecology, local maritime history, and to hand out snacks and other goodies. The first 50 people to complete the course will even receive a Delaware State Parks water bottle.  At the end, participants will receive a certificate of completion.  There will also be a food-truck, photo ops, and the 50th anniversary Park History exhibit on display.  Transportation back to the beginning of the course will be provided.

This “Paddlefest” event is free to enter, but pre-registration is required by calling (302) 227-6991. Due to the length of the event, previous paddling experience is required.  Kayak rentals are available through Coastal Kayak, by calling (302) 539-7999.  All participants must launch between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.  For more information about this event or other state park programs, please visit destateparks.com or call the Indian River Life-Saving Station at (302) 227-6991.