Challenge yourself on the Mississippi River
Two-day fundraiser for the Mississippi River ecosystem also serves as a fun-raiser for paddlers.
By Jamie Kaiser, Local CorrespondentTue, Jul 05 2011 at 11:55 PM EST
MISSISSIPPI RIVER: Third Avenue Bridge. (Photo: Mulad/Flickr) The Friends of the Mississippi River are hosting the 8th Annual Mississippi River Challenge — a two-day, 44-mile journey through the heart of the Twin Cities metro via canoe or kayak. All proceeds will directly support the organizations efforts to "protect, conserve and restore the Mississippi River."
Paddlers will be granted a "new view of the Mississippi River and the Twin Cities" that includes:
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Paddling through three locks
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Stretches of what seem to be near pristine wilderness right in the core of the cities
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Camping in a historic fort
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Live music and great food
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The opportunity to learn about the history, the ecology and the culture of this great river
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A chance to connect with other local paddlers and river enthusiasts, and more!
Logistics and gear
Paddlers have the option of challenging themselves to the full two-day experience or cutting the trip in half (22 miles) by choosing to take part Saturday, July 30 only. The trip is fully outfitted, "which means a shuttle is provided from your car (parked at the end point) to the starting point, your camping gear is transported for you, all meals, snacks, and beverages are provided, and SAG (safety and gear) support is available at all rest stops along the route."
Fundraising
Each participant is required to raise $250 in pledges prior to getting on the water. Registration includes a personalized fund-raising web page and fundraising tips and help from the organizations staff.
Registration is simple and quick
Participants can register online. The fee for adult paddlers is $60 and includes all of the following:
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Informational happy hours around the Twin Cities
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Pre-event fundraising and paddling workshops
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Personal fundraising pages
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Assistance to help you meet your pledge goal and premiums to reward you for exceeding the minimum
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Friday (July 29) evening check-in
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Shuttles from Grey Cloud Island (two-day paddlers) or Fort Snelling (one-day paddlers) on Saturday morning (you park at your ending spot and get shuttled to the starting point)
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A shuttle for your camping gear (no need to haul gear in your boat)
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All meals — breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and all beverages — included
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A Saturday overnight inside Historic Fort Snelling and waived admission fee to the Fort
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A live musical performance Saturday night
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Free massages and yoga instruction during the Night at the Fort celebration
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Interpretive presentations and highlights
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SAG support at every designated stop
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Safety support at all stops and on the river
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A commemorative Mississippi River Challenge T-shirt
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