Paddlefest and Lodi Lake: A natural melding
Apr. 26—Current construction at Lodi Lake has not put a damper on Headwaters Kayak's annual summer kick-off event next month.
The 8th Annual Paddlefest will take place May 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Headwaters co-owner Abigail Christensen said as many as 200 people are expected to attend. Admission will be $30 for adults and $15 for children, and there will be a $1 admission for those who will not enter the water.
Entrance fees will be waived if you donate a life jacket to the Kids Don't Float program when you register.
"It's our kick-off event, very low-priced," Christensen said. "It's a community event. We just want to bring people together to enjoy nature."
Paddlefest attendees will have unlimited access to all the company's kayaks, which will be lined up on the Lodi Lake Beach. Headwaters is also partnering with Eddyline Kayaks and Stellar Kayaks to let attendees test their new models on the lake.
Christensen said guests can bring their own life jackets and paddles, but cannot bring kayaks or paddleboats from home.
Modesto-based musician Neil Buettner will provide music, and A Moveable Feast will once again be on-hand offering up food and drinks.
There will also be a variety of games and a chance to win raffle prizes throughout the day. Guests will be asked to remain on Lodi lake and not travel up or down the Mokelumne River during the event.
While Paddlefest typically attracts about 300 people each year, Christensen said next month's event will be slightly scaled back due to the ongoing construction at the lake.
But those who attend should expect to have a lot of fun, she said.
"Everything we do is aimed at getting people outdoors, to Lodi Lake and the Mokelumne River, and paddling," she said. "It's gorgeous out there, and some people don't even know the river exists. Part of our mission is to make people aware of it."
Pre-registration for the event is required, as tickets will not be sold at the gate.
For more information, visit www.lodiboathouse.com.
