ATTENTION ALL SWIMMERS & PADDLERS – YOU ARE INVITED!

FRANKENMUTH’S 8^th ANNUAL

PADDLE AND RELAY SWIM ON THE CASS RIVER – VASSAR/TUSCOLA/FRANKENMUTH

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019

For many years, organizations and individuals have worked diligently on improving all aspects of the Cass River. This includes development of canoe and kayak launches, cleaning up the river, and overall visual appearance, just to name a few. These efforts will be celebrated with the 8^th annual Cass River Paddle and Relay Swim – Vassar/Tuscola/Frankenmuth to take place on Saturday morning, June 22, 2019. This event includes all swimmers, paddlers, runyakers, volunteers, pontoon boat owners, and others. 

The swimming portion of the event will begin with a swim launch from the riverbank by 9396 Ormes Road. Swimmers will depart at 9:00 a.m. on an enjoyable journey downstream to Frankenmuth. The escorting pontoons will gather any remaining swimmers at 11:45 a.m. Wetsuits are recommended in case of chilly waters. Canoes, kayaks and other paddlers need to bring their own life jackets and are to meet at the new Tuscola Township Park, behind the ball diamonds at 8561 Van Cleve Road, and launch at 9:30 a.m. Paddlers also have a new, second choice to meet at the new Vassar canoe & kayak launch at 122 S. Water Street, and put in at 7:00 a.m. to paddle the distance of 11 miles.  Overall duration is estimated to end at approximately 12:00-12:30 p.m. at Frankenmuth’s Heritage Park. Find rental information at www.kayakfrankenmuth.com and www.sivakboatandtuberental.com in Vassar. 

This event produces not only camaraderie amongst paddlers and swimmers, but brings awareness to the Cass River at the same time. Participants will appreciate the recent improvements in the Cass River including quality of water and the wildlife that enjoys this clean natural resource. Improvements are being credited to many factors including the general public making better discharge decisions into the river and drainage ditches, as well as the annual cleanups. More Cass River Greenway info and a map can be found at www.cassriver.org.

This event has the motto “The more the merrier” so feel free to share this information with other swimmers, paddlers or volunteers. Please contact Lori Payne at lpayne@bavarianinn.com or call (989) 652-9941 if you plan to participate or simply want more information. Organizers need a count in advance to ensure there are an adequate number of needed materials available. Commemorative t-shirts for $5 will be available and should be preordered by June 13; please indicate size if interested.