The Saunders Finger Lakes Museum will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Paddle Keuka 5K on Saturday, Aug. 1, with paddling races, an '80s costume contest, local food and beverage tastings at its Branchport campus.
The event will run from 7:15 a.m. to noon and is open to competitive and recreational paddlers using kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Categories are available for single and tandem boats.
Racer check-in is scheduled from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m., followed by a mandatory pre-race meeting at 8:20 a.m. Boats will launch immediately afterward, with the race expected to begin around 9 a.m.
Participants may bring a boat, paddle and life jacket or choose a registration option that includes equipment. Day-of registration will be available, and racers younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear neon, bold prints, workout gear or other 1980s-inspired clothing for a costume contest. Spectators may watch from the start and finish areas, and complimentary passes will be available at the museum's Barn for people who want to view part of the race from Keuka Lake State Park.
Lunch from Keuka Trails Farm Market will be available for purchase beginning at 10:30 a.m. New York Beer Project, Lucky Hare Brewery and Treetops Cidery will provide beer and hard cider tastings.
The museum will raffle a Jackson Tupelo 12.5-foot kayak donated by Morgan Marine and valued at more than $1,000. Tickets cost $20, and the winner does not need to be present when awards and the drawing are held around 11 a.m.
Proceeds support the museum's educational paddling programs and its work to promote the cultures and ecology of the Finger Lakes. Registration and volunteer information are available through the museum's Paddle Keuka 5K webpage.
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