Presumpscot River Revival Race returns for second year

By Ed Pierce

A day of friendly paddle competition and a celebration of healthy waters are nearing as Dundee Park in Windham will be the site of the second Presumpscot River Revival Race.

The Second Presumpscot River Revival Race will be held 
Saturday, Oct. 17 at Dundee Park in Windham and features
canoe, kayak and Standup Paddle Board racing during a
day of friendly paddle competition. COURTESY PHOTO

Sponsored by the Friends of Presumpscot River, the family friendly event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, and is intended for all ages.

After an absence of three decades, the canoe races returned in 2025 to promote the river’s resilience, ongoing work for its revival and the communities it continues to sustain. With paddling, food, foliage, and family-friendly fun, the Presumpscot River Revival Race combines a recognition of the past, exemplifies tributes to ongoing water quality and habitat improvements, and is a rallying point for the future of the river and a community celebration with the Presumpscot River at the heart of it all.

The Friends of the Presumpscot River (FOPR) was established in 1992 to advocate for the remediation and protection of the Presumpscot River waters and fisheries. The organization aims to reconnect and protect the river that sustained the region’s First Peoples and gave rise to settler colonies along its winding banks.

In reestablishing the canoe races last year, members of the Friends of the Presumpscot River say that the driving force behind the races and competition is a goal to bring the community together to the river once again, to cheer on competing loved ones, to stoke the flame of excitement for the return of native fisheries, to celebrate the ongoing restoration of the ancient and beloved river and to focus more on community outreach.

FOPR Board Member Stephanie Noyes said last year that some of the proceeds from the races will be used for the organization’s school outreach program, which is designed to get students in Gorham, Westbrook, Windham, Raymond, Portland, and Falmouth out on the water, and introduces children to the river. Students are taught paddling techniques and learn about the Wabanaki and industrial history of the waterway, while also discussing the future of the river.

If you are not an avid paddler and prefer to watch the races, bring your lawn chair, sit on the beach, and join in on the fun.

For those looking to compete, pre-registration on Eventbrite is encouraged. However, you can also register at Dundee Park starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17.

It costs $25 per boat, and you can choose to canoe, kayak, or compete in stand-up paddleboard. There will be a 2.5-mile Mass Start circuit for paddle craft and multiple divisions with winners in all three categories including canoe (solo and tandem), kayak (under 14 feet and over 14 feet) and Standup Paddle Boards (inflatable, hard board and race board).

Salmon Stew Outdoors, a paddle-powered recreation company, is sponsoring the safety crew and providing the equipment needed to patrol the river. Certified Maine Guides make up the volunteer crew. Other partners for the event include the Town of Windham.

At the event, you can browse the FOPR information table where you can learn more about Dundee Park, the river, and the organization. Merchandise such as t-shirts, dry bags, books, and more will be available for purchase.

Races start at noon with a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 18 if needed. Awards will be presented after 2 p.m.

Canoes will be available to rent in person only on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. Personal Flotation Devices and paddles will be included with this rental. Rentals are only available in person and not reservable online. Equipment is being donated by Maine Path & Paddle Guides and Salmon Stew Outdoors.

All racers are required to wear Personal Flotation Devices with a whistle attached during the races.

River enthusiasts are encouraged to connect with FOPR at this event. You can chat with volunteers at the FOPR table about ways to get involved such as assisting with in water quality monitoring, advocating for dam removal, helping school groups on the river, or joining a committee.

Fish biologists are particularly wanted as well as those with expertise on rivers, ecology, and history. However, “any skills can be put to use,” Noyes said.

The public can stay informed about opportunities to get involved with FOPR, sign up for an email newsletter, and learn more about FOPR by visiting www.presumpscotriver.org. <