On Saturday, September 19th, starting at 8:00 am, we will be hosting our 5th Annual Paddle and Oars Challenge,” said Coach Kennedy.  “The event commemorates the Great 5-Mile Race for the Rowing Championshp of America, which was held in 1867 right here in Newburgh, where 50,000 spectators gathered on the bluff to watch this national event.  Our event is a 5-Mile challenge open to the public with kayaking and sculling.  It is a challenge, so even if you have never been in a kayak before, you can come down at 7:30 am for a free tutorial.  If you can’t do the 5 miles, just do what you can, it’s a challenge not a race, although times will be recorded for the top kayakers and scullers.  All event participants will receive a free pancake breakfast and a beautiful event T-shirt, which has a print of the 1867 race on it, thanks to our generous sponsors.  Our major sponsors are the Hudson River Improvement Foundation and HealthQuest, with many other generous sponsors.  Admission for spectators is free and everyone is welcome to come on down to watch this great event.  There will be pancakes for sale, a bake sale, vendors, face painting for the kids, free tours of the Boathouse, a free Learn to Row clinic, and raffles.  Proceeds go to support shoreline restoration, the Ward Brothers Memorial Park, and the youth programs of the Newburgh Rowing Club.