The unofficial start of spring in Port Hope is kicking off this weekend with the annual Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny (FYFDTG) river race, scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 13, 2019, on the Ganaraska River, beginning at 10 a.m., with the activities, food and music located at the finish line, in the Cavan Street Park area.
“We’re very much looking forward to another terrific year,” notes Barry Adamson, Co-Chair of the Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny Executive Committee. “The wacky costumes and crazy craft designs are more unique and innovative each year and we are always blown away by the creativity shown by our participants. We can’t wait to see this year’s lineup”
Now in its 39th year, FYFDTG has become a signature event in the Municipality of Port Hope. Participants are challenged in a rigorous 10-kilometre race down the mighty Ganaraska River, and the riverbanks are dotted with spectators and supporters all along the route. At the finish line, “Fannyville”, the event village, is set up to host various food, drink and merchant vendors, on-stage entertainment, children’s crafts and activities, and a live commentary of the race results, culminating in an award presentation for the race finalists. It’s an action packed day for the whole family.
“We’ve seen this event grow year-over-year and we are thrilled to be able to bring together the community and visitors from all over the Province to participate in this exceptional experience,” adds Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “It pays homage to the great flood of 1980 in such a unique and special way and reminds us of the true community spirit that we enjoy in this Municipality.”
As usual, Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services will be managing the emergency measures in collaboration with Port Hope Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Northumberland Paramedics, St. John Ambulance, Ontario Community Emergency Assistance Program (O.C.E.A.P.) and LTS Security have been heavily involved in the event safety planning and will be on-site to ensure that the well-being of the participants and spectators is the highest priority. Spectators are reminded to use caution while viewing the race on the riverbanks and to be aware of their physical surroundings at all times. Spectators are also encouraged to keep the environment safe and clean for all by disposing garbage and recycling in the receptacles provided in Fannyville. Water balloons on and off the water are not permitted.
Additionally, all participants and spectators are asked to refrain from bringing their animals to the Race. With the growing number of attendees, the volume of people at the event can be overwhelming for both the animals and for young children.
The event plan has been reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). This process ensures that the Municipality is compliant with all policies and procedures outlined by these agencies to confirm the safety and sustainability of the fish and wildlife habitats in the river.
While the event is scheduled for April 13, weather conditions will be considered in the days leading up to the Race. The rain date is scheduled for April 20.
Online registration is open now until Friday, April 12. To register, or for more information, please visit: www.floatyourfanny.ca.
Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny River Race Program:
Start Times
10:00AM – Canoes and Kayaks – Canton Bridge
11:00AM – Crazy craft – Sylvan Glen
Finish Times
11:00AM – First Canoes and Kayaks
12:30PM – First Crazy Craft
Other Times
10:00AM – ‘Fannyville’ Event Village Open
1:00PM – Canoes and Kayaks Awards Presentation
2:00PM – Crazy Craft Awards Presentation
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
