For the third year in a row, the Roe Jan Creek Boat Club is inviting experienced paddlers this April to brave the Roeliff Jansen Kill to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The 2017 Roe Jan Canoe Race is scheduled to begin at Elizaville Falls, where Routes 2 and 19 meet in Elizaville on Saturday, April 29, with racers hitting the water anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Water levels permitting, racers will paddle about fourteen miles to the Roe Jan Creek Boat Club at the mouth of the stream, where an open house potluck will take place. Kayakers are welcome. All racers are heavily encouraged to seek sponsors to make donations of any amount for each stream-mile the competitors will brave—or any amount the sponsors are willing to donate.
Checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society. In 2015 and 2016, the canoe races raised more than $5,000 for the ACS. For non-sponsored racers, there is a suggested donation of $25 at the start. Organizers will collect donations at the start.
Every boat must have at least one racer above age 18. All Racers must wear life preservers and should be prepared for three-to-five hours on the water, including challenging rapids. A thunder/cold date has been set for Sunday, April 30.
Anyone is welcome to come free of charge to the open house at the Roe Jan Creek Boat Club on the day of the race. Non-racers should bring a covered dish. Eating will commence at 1 p.m.