This weekend I am taking out my canoe, and likely will be paddling solo.

It is an Old Town, 16 feet, 9 inches.

That might be a little large for one guy, but I plan to stay in the calm portions of the Sandy River.

Talking about the mighty Sandy, the Sandy River Paddlefest will take place Saturday, June 3, beginning at 8 a.m.

It starts at the Legion Field in Strong (Route 4), and boats will float about nine miles to the Fairbanks Bridge outside of Farmington (also on Route 4).

Buses and trucks will pick up participants, and transport everyone back to Strong.

At the field, there will be free kayaking exhibitions, fly-fishing clinics and refreshments.

Organizer Gary O'Brien said that in last year's inaugural Paddlefest, about 60 boats made the trip.

(About 160 were at the social festivities back at the field, indicating some people are more interested in socializing than stroking).

"This year we are expecting more," he said. "We've had a lot of publicity, and organizations in the Franklin County area have done a lot to promote it."

Most craft are kayaks, and thus my bulky 16-9 war canoe will not be a part.

But I hope to motor up to Strong, and meet the hardy river people.

O'Brien said that the event will take place rain or shine.

Those interested can register upon arriving, and post-Paddlefest activities should last until mid-afternoon.

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