Turnout for Lakes and Trails Festival surprises organizers

Craig Bakay | Jul 19, 2017

Like all event organizers, the committee for the Sydenham Lakes and Trails Festival were hoping for a nice day and a good turnout.

Well, as it turned out, they got a beautiful day and a turnout that exceeded their expectation, so much so they ran out of ice cream, hot dogs and burgers and had to send out for more. They even ran out of registration forms.

“We had 150 people registered by 11 a.m.,” said Ross Sutherland. “It’s been steady ever since.

“We had to get 150 more forms printed up and we registered some people on slips of paper.”

It was a busy day down at The Point on Saturday.

The idea was to show off the lakes and trails in the area along with a guided tour of historic Sydenham.

The day featured a “Paddle” around the lake with the Kingston Dragon Boat Club, the Cataraqui Canoe Club or just paddling around on your own. Kayaks and/or canoes were provided by the Sydenham Canoe Clubbut a lot of people brought their own.

Then there was a cycling event around the lake (a 21k loop) or for the more adventurous, 32k and 44k guided loops.

Organizers estimated there were at least 50 cyclists involved and the Think First Foundation put on a bicycle safety, skills course, bike repair and helmet fitting clinic.

As well, the library had a number of oversized games and there were several booths and displays.

“I hope this will become an annual event,” said Sutherland. “The weather cooperated — which this year is a ‘miracle.’

“But it showed that people in South Frontenac like to get outdoors when they can.”